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Have you ever wondered why is added sugar bad for you? We all have a natural fondness for sugar, as it can provide an instant mood boost and make us feel happy. Many people consume sugary treats throughout the day, whether it be in the form of candy, cake, or sugary drinks like soft drinks or packaged juice.
If you're someone who likes to sweeten your tea or consume sugary drinks regularly, you might consume a significant amount of sugar. While sugar can add taste to your drinks and meals, it can also add a large number of calories to your diet.
Recent research indicates that excessive calorie intake, specifically from added sugars, can raise the likelihood of developing heart disease or stroke. That perhaps answers the question: Why is sugar bad for you. Let's delve into more details:
Why is added sugar bad for you?
Health experts have linked higher consumption of added sugar to elevated triglyceride levels, which can reduce blood flow to the heart. A recent study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, followed 110,947 participants between the ages of 37 and 73 for nine years.
During the study, participants kept track of their food intake for a 24-hour period. Researchers compared this information to their medical records to identify cardiovascular conditions and risk factors, including triglyceride levels.
The researchers found a positive correlation between a higher intake of added sugar and an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, as well as higher triglyceride levels in all lipoproteins. That makes sugar bad for you.
They concluded that consuming more fiber-rich foods and replacing refined grains with added sugars with whole grains and sugar alternatives could promote heart health.
Side effects of sugar and why is sugar bad for you
Consuming too much sugar has several negative effects on health, including:
Weight gain: Sugar is high in calories, and consuming too much of it can lead to weight gain, as it does not provide a sense of fullness, causing overeating.
Type 2 diabetes: Consuming excess sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Tooth decay: Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, which produces acid that erodes the enamel of teeth, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Cardiovascular disease: A diet high in sugar can lead to inflammation, damaging blood vessels and increasing risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure: Consuming too much sugar can lead to increased blood pressure, which can lead to a range of health issues, including heart disease and stroke.
How to start cutting out sugar?
If you want to start cutting out sugar from your diet, here are some tips that can help, as sugar is bad for you:
Read labels: Start reading labels on the food products you buy, as sugar can be hidden in many processed and packaged foods under different names, like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, etc.
Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are loaded with sugar and are a major contributor to sugar intake. Instead, opt for water, herbal tea, or unsweetened beverages.
Choose whole foods: Choose whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that are naturally low in sugar and provide a range of nutrients.
Use natural sweeteners: Use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and stevia in moderation, as they have a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
Reduce intake gradually: Reduce your sugar intake gradually, rather than cutting it out completely. That will make the transition easier and more sustainable in the long run, as sugar is bad for you.
Why is added sugar bad for you? That's because excessive consumption of sugar can have serious health consequences.
It's important to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks to maintain good health and prevent diseases. Replacing sugary treats with healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables can help you satisfy your sweet cravings while providing essential nutrients to the body.
