Sugar is an energy source, but too much can have negative consequences. High-sugar diets have been linked to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis while also increasing inflammation within the body.
Diets high in sugar may contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, excessive sugar can suppress your immune function, leading to bacterial infections.
One way to manage your sugar consumption is by reading food labels and avoiding processed items that contain added sugar, such as candy, cookies, and soda.Â
It’s best to rely on naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are metabolized slowly by your body, so they provide steady energy for cells. Refined sugars, on the other hand, are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and cause your glucose levels to spike quickly.Â
Keep tabs on how much sugar you consume and set goals to reduce it over time. It may not be easy to give up all your favorite treats, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll soon be on your way toward a healthier lifestyle.
To know about the impact of sugar on your health and ways to cut back, continue reading.Â
The Impact of Sugar on Your Health
Sugar can be found in a wide range of foods, and it can be a great source of energy. However, too much sugar can lead to many health problems. The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your intake of refined sugar to no more than 6% of total calories per day. Here is how sugar can affect your health.Â
Weight Gain
Increasing your sugar intake is not a healthy way to gain weight. It has been linked to obesity, which can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. One of the key drivers of obesity is calorie surpluses, which occur when you consume more calories than you burn through activity or exercise. This is why reducing your sugar intake is an important strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. In general, you should try to avoid foods with more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. If you find it hard to manage your sugar intake on your own, there are several options that can help you in this journey, one of which – Perfect Body. This app holds thousands of sugar free or low sugar recipes that will help to make more informed choices and avoid weight gain.
Increases Risk of Heart Disease
A diet high in added sugar increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It also increases your blood pressure, which can cause heart disease and stroke. If you’re concerned about your sugar intake, the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men. Adding more than this can lead to cardiovascular disease.Â
Linked to Acne
If you want a clear, glowing complexion, it’s important to keep sugar out of your diet. Acne can be one of the most recurrent skin problems in the world, and while it’s hard to believe, sugar has been linked to acne breakouts. Eating too much sugar also breaks down collagen and elastin, two proteins that give your skin shape, structure, and firmness. This causes your skin to look prematurely aging and weak.
Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Your body needs sugar to function, but too much sugar can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. That’s because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, which helps your body absorb and use sugar. Eating a diet high in added sugars, such as those found in soda and fruit juice, has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. A better approach is to eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Leads to Fatty Liver
The liver is the body’s largest organ, responsible for removing toxins and processing nutrients from food. The liver also filters blood before it travels elsewhere in the body. Excessive fat in the liver can cause a serious problem called fatty liver disease. New research suggests that excessive sugar consumption could contribute to the disease in its early stages.
Increases Kidney Disease Risk
The kidneys are important organs that help filter your blood, produce hormones, keep your bones strong, regulate fluid balance, and control your blood pressure. Sugar can increase your risk for kidney disease by damaging your kidneys and causing high blood sugar levels. This is especially true for people with diabetes.
Negatively Impacts Dental Health
Eating a standard diet with an excessive amount of sugar can have negative effects on your teeth and overall health. When you eat or drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that destroys your tooth enamel. It also attracts the wrong kinds of bacteria that cause conditions like gingivitis and gum disease.
Accelerates Cognitive Decline
When you consume sugar, it breaks down into glucose and fructose, both of which the brain needs for energy. However, too much sugar has a negative effect on your brain and memory. A high-sugar diet causes neuroinflammation and damages neurons in the hippocampus, which has links to cognitive decline.Â
Increases Risk of Depression
If you’re feeling depressed, you may want to cut back on sugar. It can help you feel better for a short period, but it can also increase your risk of depression in the long term. In a study, researchers found that high sugar intake was associated with an increased risk of depression.Â
Simple Ways to Stop Eating Lots of Sugar
Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. The good news is it’s totally possible to cut back. Start by cutting out processed sugars like refined white sugar, molasses, and honey. Then gradually wean yourself off of the rest by reducing the usual amount you add to foods and drinks. Here are some simple ways to cut back sugar from your diet.Â
- Cut Back on Sugary Drinks
- Avoid Sugary Desserts
- Avoid Sauces with Added Sugar
- Switch to Natural Sugar
- Eat Whole Foods
- Check For Sugar in Canned Foods
- Limit Sugary Breakfast Foods
- Read Labels
Conclusion
Sugar may taste good, but it also has a long-lasting impact on your health. Consuming it in excess can cause weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. In fact, it’s a common cause of obesity and has links to depression and other mental illnesses. That’s why it’s essential to know how much you should consume each day.
Read labels to make sure you’re not consuming too much sugar. Also, avoid processed foods that contain a high amount of sugar, i.e., ice-cream, cold drinks, sugary beverages, candies, chocolates, etc. Instead, switch to whole foods that contain natural or low amounts of sugar.Â