You know that sugar isn't good for you, but do you know why? Well, we're here to give you the lowdown on the sweet stuff.
Sugar can do some serious damage to your body when consumed in excess. For starters, it can cause weight gain and obesity. But that's not all. Sugar can also lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.
So, what can you do to cut down on your sugar intake? It's not always easy, but it is possible. Start by reading food labels and avoiding foods high in sugar. And when you do indulge, be sure to do so in moderation.
What Sugar Does in the Body
Sugar is the single most harmful ingredient in the modern diet.
It's not just empty calories—sugar is actually doing damage to your body on a cellular level. Here are just a few ways that sugar is wrecking your health:
Sugar causes inflammation in the body, which can lead to all sorts of chronic health problems like obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Sugar messes with your hormones, contributing to fertility problems and increasing your risk of cancer.
Sugar overloads your liver, leading to problems like fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Sugar addiction is real, and it's not just making you gain weight. It's actually changing the way your brain functions, making you more susceptible to anxiety and depression.
Short-Term Effects of Sugar
When you eat too much sugar, your body goes into overdrive. In the short-term, you'll experience a sugar rush, followed by a sugar crash. You might feel tired, irritable and moody; you might also have trouble concentrating. All of these are signs that your body is struggling to deal with all the sugar it's taking in.
In the long-term, eating too much sugar can do even more damage. It can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So how much sugar is too much? The World Health Organization recommends that no more than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugar. That's about 12 teaspoons for someone on a 2000-calorie diet.
Long-Term Effects of Sugar
Sugar is a major player in the obesity epidemic in this country. Too much of it can have some pretty serious long-term effects on your body.
For starters, indulging in too much sugar can lead to weight gain. This is because sugar is high in calories and it's easy to overeat foods that are loaded with sugar. When you eat too much sugar, your body converts the excess into fat. And once you have fat cells, they're very hard to get rid of.
Sugar can also have a negative impact on your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar spikes, it can lead to diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
Sugar is also bad for your teeth. It can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Not to mention, it's one of the main causes of cavities.
So if you're looking to stay healthy, it's best to cut back on the sugar.
How to Reduce Added Sugar Intake
Reducing added sugar intake is a key way to improve your overall health and to prevent chronic diseases. The recommended maximum amount of added sugars per day is 25g for women and 38g for men.
One of the best ways to reduce your added sugar intake is to be mindful of which processed foods you're eating. Items like candy, cookies, pre-packaged snacks, cereals, and soft drinks are all loaded with added sugar. You should try to avoid those whenever possible and opt for whole foods instead.
In addition, you can also find ways to make healthier versions of your favorite sweet treats by using natural alternatives such as honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar. This is a great way to still enjoy something sweet without all the extra added sugars!
Healthy Swaps for Added Sugars
So, what can you do to avoid added sugars and hidden sugars in processed foods? Well, the first step is to read labels carefully and be on the lookout for any ingredient ending in “-ose” or syrup. And when in doubt? Swap it out for something healthier.
For example, if you’re looking for a sweetener for your morning cup of coffee or tea, try natural options like honey or stevia instead of white sugar or artificial sweeteners. You can also turn to more natural sources of sweetness like fruits—this way, you get the added benefit of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are lost when sugar is processed.
If you’re looking for something crunchy for a snack, try nuts or seeds instead of pre-packaged snacks with added sugars. And whenever possible, opt for plain yogurt (or make your own) over flavored varieties that are loaded with sugar.
Making small changes like this here and there will go a long way in helping reduce your sugar intake—and keep your body healthy and happy!
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Conclusion
So the next time you reach for that sweet snack, think about how it will make you look and feel in the long run. Will that candy bar or sugary drink be worth the sugar high—and subsequent sugar crash? Is all that sugar really worth the health risks?
In the end, it's up to you to make the decision about how much sugar you want in your diet. But it's important to be aware of the consequences of eating too much of the sweet stuff. So the next time you're tempted by a sweet snack, think about the health risks—and how sweet it really is.
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