Harmful Effects of Sugar
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Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate found naturally in dairy products, vegetables and fruits. It is important for people to include these foods in their diet, as they come with other nutrients that provide valuable health benefits.
Sugar is an additive in some foods and drinks, giving them a sweet taste. However, manufacturers tend to add sugar to some foods and drinks. Added sugars provide no nutritional value and are a poor source of energy, as the body digests them too quickly. Consuming too much of added sugar can cause health problems like weight gain, diabetes, tooth cavities and more.
1. Weight Gain
Too much of sugar consumption may lead to gain more weight. Numerous researches have pointed out the harmful effects of consuming too much sugar in the form of colas, juices, and other sweetened beverages. People who consume more fast food and processed foods tend to gain more weight than those who maintain a healthy diet. Globally, obesity is the main factor to cause heart diseases.
2. Depression
Consuming sugary foods causes the body to release a feel-good chemical called dopamine. As this surge reduces, the brain begins to crave the same high again. High sugar intake has been linked to depression in adults.
3. Heart disease
High sugar consumption is associated with increased inflammation, triglycerides and blood pressure levels. All of these increases the risk of heart disease and can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis.
4. Tooth cavities
Sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay, which can result in cavities. After consuming sugar, oral bacteria form a thin layer of plaque that covers the teeth. These oral bacteria react with the sugars present in food and drinks. This reaction results in the release of an acid that damages the teeth.
Some of this damage can be repaired by the body itself. But over time, eating too much sugar can permanently harm you. This can lead to tooth decay. Limiting your intake of foods high in sugar is an effective way to prevent tooth decay.
5. Bad Skin
Sugar makes acne worse. The rise in blood sugar and insulin levels increase oil production and androgen secretion that cause acne breakouts on the skin.
6. Risk of Diabetes
Consuming too much of sugar leads to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which lead to diabetes.
7. Causes Wrinkles and Skin Sagging
Heavy sugar diet leads to accelerated skin ageing. People that consume sugar have more wrinkles and sagging skin than those who don’t. Consuming sugar causes the body to produce AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products). AGEs are substances created when sugar and protein molecules interact. These AGEs cause damage to collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity.
8. Joint Pain
People who suffer from joint pain on reduction of their sugar intake can see a significant reduction in their pain levels. Sugar is also associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Fatty Liver
High sugar intake increases the risk of developing fatty liver because it breaks down the sugar into glycogen and the excess is stored as fat.
10. Drains your Energy
Foods high in sugar can induce a rapid spike in energy that is quickly followed by a severe drop in blood sugar, which results in significant variations in energy levels.