The Impact of Sugar on Health

Sugar is beneficial in moderate amount, however excessive consumption can result in weight gain, acne, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of various major medical diseases. That is why dietary standards recommend limiting calories from added sugar to less than 10% per day. Here are nine reasons why eating a lot of sugar is harmful for you.

SHAMIMA BEGUMHEALTH

Shamima Begum

7/30/20243 min read

The Impact of Sugar on Health
The Impact of Sugar on Health

The Impact of Sugar on Health

Introduction

Sugar isn't necessarily harmful for you. Your body requires glucose, a type of sugar, to survive. You do not need to consume glucose or other sweets because your body produces them from your meals. Consuming too much added sugar may cause your body to experience increased cravings, teeth decay, and weight gain.

There are two kinds of sugar: natural and added. Natural sugars, as the name implies, are found naturally in foods. Fruit sugar is termed fructose, while milk sugar is called lactose. Added sugars are found in prepared foods and can include brown sugar, cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other additives.

What Is Sugar?

Sugar is a carbohydrate, which is an important macronutrient. Every cell in your body gets its energy from glucose, a form of sugar. When proteins, lipids, and other carbs are broken down, the body produces glucose. Your body converts glucose from food into fuel for your brain and organs. Other sugars are: Fructose and Galactose, Lactose and Maltose.

Additonally, sugar is broken down in your mouth by digestive enzymes (amylase). It then travels through your digestive tract before being absorbed into your circulation as glucose and this elevates your blood sugar, prompting your pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that instructs cells to absorb glucose.

9 Reasons Why Excess Sugar Is Bad For You
  • It Can Lead To Weight Gain: Obesity rates are rising worldwide, and data suggests that added sugar, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, is a major factor to obesity. Sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, juices, and sweet teas are high in fructose, a kind of simple sugar. Moreover, Fructose boosts your hunger and desire to eat more than glucose, the primary sugar present in starchy meals.

  • May Increase Your Risk Of Heart Disease: High-sugar diets have been associated with the risk of many diseases; for example, heart disease has become a leading cause of death in the world. Literature evidence shows that high-sugar diets can trigger obesity and inflammation, hence high triglyceride levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure, major risk factors for developing heart disease.

  • Acne Risk: The higher the intake of refined carbohydrate foods, including those with added sugar, sweetened beverages, and even fruit juice, the greater the risk for the development of acne. A high-glycemic-index food increases blood sugar more rapidly than lower-glycemic index foods. These foods can raise your blood sugar and insulin levels, which eventually means increased androgen secretion, resulting in increased oil production and, thus, increased inflammation factors that develop acne.

  • Increases Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes is a primary cause of death and lowers life expectancy. Its prevalence has more than doubled over the last 30 years, and estimates indicate that its burden will continue to climb. Excess sugar consumption has long been connected with an increased risk of diabetes.

  • May Increase Risk Of Cancer: High intake of sugar may raise the risk for certain cancers. First and foremost, consuming high amounts of sugar usually leads to obesity, and obesity puts one at a higher risk of acquiring cancer. Consuming diets rich in added sugar increases body inflammation, which may lead to insulin resistance, and this raises one's risk for acquiring cancer.

  • May Raise Your Risk Of Depression: A balanced diet can boost mood, but a diet high in sugar and processed foods may increase your risk of depression.

  • May Accelerate The Skin Aging Process: Wrinkles are a normal symptom of skin aging. They will appear eventually, regardless of your health. However, poor eating habits, on the other hand, can exacerbate wrinkles and accelerate the aging process of the skin.

  • Drains Your Energy: Foods high in added sugar quickly raise blood sugar and insulin levels, resulting in greater energy. However, this increase in energy levels is transient. Products high in sugar but low in protein, fiber, or fat provide a transient energy boost followed by a significant drop in blood sugar, commonly known as a "crash."

  • Can Cause Fatty Liver: A high fructose intake has been consistently associated with an increased risk of fatty liver. Fructose is a widespread type of sugar, and one important source is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is used to sweeten soda, candy, baked goods, cereals, and other products. In the liver, fructose is turned to energy or stored as glycogen. However, the liver has a limited capacity for storing glycogen before it is converted into fat.

Conclusion:

When you eat sugar, your body may experience a number of changes. Consumption in moderation is unlikely to have a significant influence. There's nothing wrong with indulging in a sweet treat on occasions.

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