There are signs that there is going to be a sugar shortage.
Are you prepared to stand in long queues hoping to get your ration of sugar?
Now what could have happened to bring about this terrible situation?
World wide the sugar consumption this year is going to be more than the sugar available. Here are three possible reasons:
Hurricane Katrina managed to cripple two of the biggest sugar refineries in New Orleans.
She wiped out many sugar cane and beet crops. She had some help from other lesser hurricanes; so let's spread the blame a bit.
The largest producer of sugar in the world is Brazil. But the Brazilians are using sugar in the production of ethanol that is used in vehicle fuels. This is obviously more lucrative than producing sugar for humans to consume.
So If There Is A Sugar Shortage Will You Survive?
If you have what is referred to as a 'sweet tooth' you are going to feel deprived.
Are artificial sweeteners a good substitute?
Common artificial sweeteners are sucralose and saccharin. These are much sweeter than sugar itself.
Other sweeteners made quite often from cornstarch are used in the manufacture of foods. These are less sweet than sugar.
Yet fruits have natural sweeteners in them for example Maple Syrup and how often have you added Honey to your porridge?
Why Is Sugar In Food?
Sugar in our food is of course as a sweetener and a flavour enhancer.
It also does the following:
During cooking it interacts with molecules of protein or starch
Acts as a tenderiser
Is responsible for putting the air into the fat during the creaming process
Caramelises under heat. This gives certain foods a lovely colour and a very pleasant smell
Speeds the growth of yeast by providing nourishment
Stabilises eggs when being whipped
Delays the coagulation of egg proteins in custard
Plays an important part in gelling of fruit jellies and jams
Prevents jellies and preserves from spoiling
Makes canned foods more tender and attractive
Improves the flavour and smoothness of ice cream
If there was no sugar, no doubt food manufacturers would use sugar substitutes - would we notice the difference?
It would be quite something, if we got used to living without sugar and eventually when sugar becomes freely available again we won't need it any more.
Copyright 2006 Eva Moffat
About the author
Eva Moffat has written several health related articles and has now been awarded the prestigious title of 'Expert Author'.
Her other writing successes; she was voted Journalist of the Year for 2004 and 2005 by British Ethnic Health Awareness Foundation.
Her other common sense articles can be found on her website http://www.weight-loss-4-you.com. She wants to send you her monthly newsletter 'It's A Question of Health' Details can be found on her website. Or send her an Email to eva.moffat@onetel.net and ask to be subscribed to her newsletter 'It's A Question of Health'. There is no charge for this informative newsletter.