Sugar is excellent energy source and has prominent role in human body metabolism. It can be beneficial only when ingested in the recommended amount. As we know excess of everything is bad so when a human body ingests sugar above the borderline then it will cause many diseases. In this post, we will discuss why sugar is bad for our bodies.
Diseases:
- Too much sugar in bloodstream leads to a condition known as metabolic syndrome (Mets). Sugar affects the production of insulin by the pancreas and results in Diabetes.
- Excessive consumption of sugar causes cancer of intestine, pleural cancers and cancer of oesophagus.
- Sugar mainly Glucose plays vital role in functions of brain. High dosages of sugar lead to dementia. Dementia results in memory loss.
- Excessive consumption of sugar contributes to skin ageing by destroying collagen and elastin thus resulting in wrinkles.
- Too much sugar in body provides a ground for yeast and bacteria to multiply, causing infections and immune suppression.
Consequences of Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar Triggers Spike on Glucose Levels
Blood sugar can result in mood swings, tiredness, and headaches. Studies indicate that diets high in added sugars or refined carbohydrates are linked to increased rates of mood disorders. Conversely, other research suggests that a diet maintaining stable blood sugar levels can enhance mood and energy levels.
Sugar Heightens the Risk of Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
While occasional indulgence is common, foods that rapidly impact blood sugar can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Emerging studies also hint at links between high-glycemic diets and various types of cancer. These effects are often due to added sugars in your diet, so it’s crucial to scrutinise nutrition labels.
Sugar Can Impair Your Immune Function
Being ill is tough enough, but research indicates that sugar can disrupt your body’s disease-fighting capabilities. Bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar, so excessive glucose in the body can lead to these organisms multiplying and causing infections.
A High-Sugar Diet May Result in Chromium Deficiency
Chromium, a trace mineral, aids in regulating blood sugar in the body. Despite its presence in meats, seafood, and plant foods, a significant number of people don’t get enough chromium due to refined starches. Other carbohydrates can also deplete foods of their chromium content, so reducing your carb intake is a good strategy for boosting those mineral levels.
Sugar Speeds Up Ageing
You might be aware that sugars can alter your body shape, but they can also affect your skin by contributing to wrinkles and sagging. Once sugar enters your bloodstream, it binds to proteins. This combination of proteins and sugar results in the skin losing elasticity and leads to premature ageing.
Sugar Leads to Tooth Decay
Among the many severe effects of sugar, we often overlook the fundamental cosmetic damage it causes. Sugar is more efficient at causing decay when it lingers on your teeth than any other food. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is vital to prevent sugars from promoting plaque and bacteria.
Sugar Can Induce Gum Disease, Which Can Result in Heart Disease
Growing evidence suggests that chronic infections, like those from dental issues, contribute to heart disease development. Most researchers think the link originates from the body’s inflammatory response to infection. Fortunately, this is a two-way street. Leading a healthy lifestyle will lower your risk of common illnesses, reducing the likelihood they’ll evolve into more serious conditions later.
Sugar Impacts Children’s Cognitive Abilities
Our young ones are not exempt! When New York City public schools cut down the sugar in their meals, their academic ranking rose by 15.7% (the highest improvement previously recorded was 1.7%). The study also removed artificial colours, synthetic flavouring, and two preservatives, highlighting the significance of natural ingredients for children.
Sugar Elevates Stress Levels
When we’re stressed, our bodies instantly switch to fight-or-flight mode, releasing a flood of hormones. Interestingly, the body reacts similarly when blood sugar is low. After consuming a sweet snack, stress hormones start to counteract the crash by elevating your blood sugar. The outcome? Unexplained anxiety, irritability, and even trembling.
Sugar Displaces Vital Nutrients
Public health experts suggest that consuming empty calories from added sugars makes it challenging to intake sufficient amounts of other nutrients. A study analysing USDA data found that those who consume the most sugar have the lowest intakes of essential nutrients—particularly vitamins A, C, B-12, and calcium. This trade-off is particularly hazardous for children and teenagers, who consume the most sugar and require the most nutrients.
Ways to Avoid Sugar Consumption:
- Mostly excessive sugar enters our body through the frequent use of smoothies, sodas, sweetened teas and fruit juices. Reduce this intake of sugary drinks and use healthier beverages that are naturally low in sugar: herbal teas, coffee, unsweetened sparkling water etc.
- Most people use sauces like ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and chilli sauce frequently in kitchens. All these sauces have more sugar content even than ice cream. If you want to avoid sugar then avoid these sauces and look for sauces labelled “no added sugar”.
- Snack foods contain much sugar as chocolate and candy bars. Try to minimize the usage of these snacks. Eat whole foods, whole foods have not been refined or processed. These are additive-free. These will result in low sugar consumption.