Do you know? Sugar might be Killing You!
This is not so a fun fact: Just one 473-ml can (less than a 50cl bottle) of soda contains 52 grams (about 10 level teaspoons) of sugar. This equates to more than 10% of your daily calorie consumption, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This means that one sugary drink a day can already put you over the recommended daily limit for added sugar.
OK! I didn’t mean to start like that, but I am here to add to your knowledge.
Sugar is one of the most common ingredients in our foods and unfortunately, it is addictive and tastes way too good. Even those few ‘saints’ who refrain from adding extra sugar in their teas and coffees are likely still consuming more sugar than they should in their diets despite being weary. Why? Because sugar is in most of the foods we eat, especially processed foods. So, the fact that people are consuming too much sugar often unknowingly can lead to some serious health issues.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SUGAR ON THE BODY
Too much sugar results in weight gain and obesity.
Studies and research suggest that people who drink more sodas, beverages, and fruit juices weigh more than those who don’t. This is because of fructose (HFCS) found in processed foods. It leads to a condition called leptin resistance. this is where leptin, a hunger regulating hormone that signals the brain to stop eating does not respond, thereby leading to weight gain. Though genetics also has its hand in weight gain and obesity, a typical modern diet that involves the consumption of refined sugars has become the major cause! I mean, chubby kids are cute, but this is too much. Obesity is not a joke and has several severe implications on their mental and physical health.
Sugar accelerates ageing process.
Collagen, a protein found in our tissues, is majorly responsible for the maintenance of the skin’s elasticity. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in the formation of wrinkles. Collagen can get damaged at an early age due to the consumption of sugars because sugars produce certain harmful compounds when combined with proteins in the bloodstream. The combination of collagen with sugar causes the skin to lose elasticity and leads to premature aging.
It Causes Tooth Cavities
Occasional consumption of sugars does not cause cavities because the temporary damage is repaired by itself. However, excess, and continuous consumption of sweetened foods causes the bacteria in the mouth to react with sugars from the drinks/eatables, which results in the formation of acids which damage the teeth, thereby resulting in cavities. Cavities are caused by damaged or weakened tooth enamel. Unfortunately, cavities cannot be cured but can only be prevented. So, cut down on the sugar and try to at the very least make sure you floss and brush your teeth twice daily, so it does not sit in your teeth.
Sugar can weaken your immune system
This is because certain bacteria love to feed on glucose (such as bacteria and yeast). Therefore when there is too much sugar in your system you are essentially creating the ideal breeding ground for diseases.
Effects of Sugar on the Brain
Aside depression and inflammation, sugars can also increase your cravings, compelling you to have more. Moreover, sugar addiction can be as intense as the addiction to drugs and alcohol. Studies and research suggest that sugar addiction can be worse than cocaine addiction. Sugar is so addictive that sugar withdrawal can cause symptoms like insomnia, bloating, headaches, anxiety, lethargy, nausea, and chills. Consuming more than the recommended sugar intake may also cause cognitive disabilities like loss of memory and inability to be attentive and focused.
Can Sugar Cause Diabetes?
Most of us are surprised with the question, right? Can consuming a lot of sugar during early stages of life cause diabetes? The short answer is Yes! But there are other factors like lifestyle and genetics which play a major role in the outset of the disease. Sugars cause resistance to insulin which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Also, excess sugar consumption can lead to obesity which is one of the risk factors for the development of type-2 diabetes.
Sugar Increases Risk of Certain Types of Cancers
Excess sugar consumption is not directly related to the possibility of cancer occurrence, but it may cause obesity which raises cancer risk. Also, excess sugar consumption causes chronic inflammation, a condition that is characterized by a continuous change in the cells which may eventually cause DNA damage, thereby resulting in cancer. Studies and research suggest that added sugar consumption may increase the risk of endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, pleural cancer, and cancer related to the small intestine.
The main point is that too much of ANYTHING can be really bad for you. It is possible that you can even overdose on water, surprised? Sugar is, definitely, one of those things that you should pay extra careful attention to. There are some replacements for sugar, you can even substitute sugar with honey or dates powder in your tea and coffee, not only does it taste really nice but it is also healthy. You may want to consider a natural appetite suppressant or natural sweeteners like dates powders. A great sugar alternative are dates, you can get them nicely packaged like this…. https://victorydrugs.com.ng/product/green-finites-date-powder-200g/
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Stay safe!
Disclaimer: Please note that this information should not take the place of your doctor’s advice.
Well articulated!