We keep reading that sugars are bad for you.  Artificial sugars have a reputation for being especially deleterious, but is there such a thing as the best of these awfuls?  Some facts. The three main nutrients you consume are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy, maintaining blood sugar levels and supporting muscle and brain function.  They are also a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. There are three types of carbohydrates:   sugars , starches and fiber. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, or blood sugar .  Glucose can be stored in your liver and muscles for later use. There are two types of sugars . Monosaccharides like glucose ( primary source of energy in the body, and also found in fruits, vegetables and honey ), fructose ( fruit sugar, found in fruits, honey and corn syrup ) and galactose ( dairy products ). Disaccharides. Sucrose, known as table sugar, is a combination of glu...

  Before butter and alcohol, a couple of news items: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he won't block the Republican funding bill , incurring the wrath of other Democratic leaders.  Trump's spending bill subsequently passed today .  Major storm with potential for baseball-size hail and tornadoes are expected today for Missouri and Illinois, also the South to Wisconsin. Mark Carney was sworn in as  Canada's new prime minister .   He will call for a general election in the coming weeks, but this will not affect his leadership, as the governing Liberal Party will still remain in control. Canada's political system is like the UK.  A constitutional monarchy recognizing the Queen/King as the head of state, with the Prime Minister as head of government.   They have a Parliament.  Their Senate has 105 seats appointed by someone called the Governor General, who represents King Charles.  The House of Commons has 338 members elected b...