The Secrets of Sugar - the fifth estate

CBC News
CBC News
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Published 2014-10-03
We’ve heard for years about the dangers of eating too much fat or salt. But there have never been recommended limits for sugar on Canadian food labels, despite emerging research that suggests the sweet stuff may be making more of us fat and sick. In the fifth estate’s season premiere, Gillian Findlay digs into the surprising science — and the reaction from the food industry — to reveal The Secrets of Sugar. Has the sugar industry been hiding an unsavoury truth from consumers?

A small but influential group of medical researchers is stirring up the health debate, linking sugar not just to rising obesity rates but also to a host of diseases including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

We put a family of four on a healthy diet to try to beat their sugar habit and track the surprising results. We talk to leading scientists – and their critics. And we ask the food industry why those ingredient labels are far from clear when it comes to how much sugar is really on your plate.

Original airdate : October 4th, 2013

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All Comments (21)
  • @joepschmobly
    It's interesting that this was produced 7 years ago and nearly nothing has changed.
  • @celestialknight2339
    You will never truly realize how liberating & energizing life is until you cut out sugar & junk, empty carbs, and start eating healthy. You literally become a new person, with new energy. It’s amazing. I wish I had cut out toxic food earlier!
  • @ginap5656
    I watch this video every year as a reminder to stay on track and stay away from processed foods & sugar as such as possible.
  • @kianbautista1016
    One of the reasons why people should always make their own food…
  • @athanasiosgalanis5854
    When I was a kid I used to put a few tablespoons of sugar on top of my cornflakes, what I didn't know was that I was actually pouring sugar on top of sugar
  • @catbriggs8362
    I just started eating low carb, low (almost no) sugar - and already, I feel better. I'm eating mostly fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, etc. Here's the biggest surprise: The food tastes fantastic! I no longer am hungry between meals, my energy and sense of well-being is so much improved, and I can think clearly. Although I'm not diabetic, I was definitely heading there. The hardest part has been figuring out how to cook things. I sit down and cut veggies and/or fruit into whatever I plan to eat that day. Sitting helps make it easy. I never cooked, just grabbed convenience food. Now, I actually enjoy cooking. Before I did this, I thought I was eating well (no junk food, no fast-food, no candy, no desserts, no sodas, etc.) But what I didn't realize is how loaded processed food is with sugar and carbs. It's unbelievable.
  • @kmcel190
    Glad at 20 that I figured this out. After going Keto and reading every label, I've become aware of just how processed and loaded with sugar our foods are. Oils, meats, nearly everything. I rarely eat anything out of a package anymore, and only if the ingredients meet my standards. I've seen many people give up cigarettes, and other drugs, but rarely do you find someone willing to commit to giving up sugar or refined carbohydrates from their diet. Best health choice I've ever made, plus I learned to cook.
  • @Ishanzari
    The sad part of this is none of these CEO's and representatives of the major food corporations feed their families this garbage but they will gladly sell it to the rest of the world...
  • @meghan1755
    Whenever i have a sugar craving i watch this lol
  • @MoonriseJT-Official
    After watching this video, I realized my shopping habits needed a change. Most of the items I was selecting had a lot of sugar. I deleted the whole list and opted for healthier options without any added sugar. I hope this video can reach more people and save lives!
  • @stanleyoketch8134
    I thank God I don"t have a serious sugar problem. I quit things like sodas several years ago and I make all efforts to eat natural foods most of the time.
  • @ewwwobbie
    While eliminating sugar from our diet is absolutely essential, someone should do a show on the negative effects of canola or vegetable oils on our diet!
  • @akochimgapo1410
    Thank you CBC News. This is what ordinary public need to know ! What is more important than the health?
  • @maggiemoo6854
    Took sugar out of my diet and my bp dropped 40 points with no meds🇱🇷🙏🇱🇷
  • @henryzhang9915
    This is probably the best "sugar" documentary on youtube, must watch!
  • @tessagurley8013
    EVERY SINGLE PERSON NEEDS TO WATCH THIS. I applaud you for posting this on YouTube. I applaud this documentary a thousand times over. Thank you, thank you thank you!!!! I'm sharing this with everyone I know. EVERY ONE.
  • @richtygart6855
    My doctor told me "If the food you buy has an ingredients label on it, don't buy it."
  • @wlockhart
    The video doesn't make it clear, but John Sievenpiper has received research funding from the sugar industry and processed food companies. His viewpoint where he dismisses the negative health effects of sugar consumption should be viewed in this context.