10 sweet dangers of sugar: Uncovering the hidden health risks of excessive sugar.

We all love it………..

Sugar is in everything, from our coffee in the morning to our lunchtime sandwich. It's difficult to get away from it. What most people don't realise is that sugar is more than just empty calories; it's also a silent murderer. Sugar consumption can have major detrimental impacts on our health, ranging from weight gain and diabetes to heart disease and cancer. In this post, we'll look at the hazards of eating too much sugar and how it can hurt our bodies and minds. We'll also cover how to identify and reduce added sugars in our diets, as well as other sweeteners that can be utilised in their stead.

1.     Sugar is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic: Excess sugar consumption has been associated with weight gain and obesity, which in turn increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some malignancies. Sugar consumption can lead to an increase in calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, excessive sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of obesity. 

2.     Sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes: Sugar can cause type 2 diabetes: Consuming too much sugar can raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes over time. This is because when we ingest too much sugar, our body's insulin response becomes less effective, resulting in a buildup of sugar in the blood. This increases the likelihood of getting type 2 diabetes.

3.     Sugar can damage your heart: High sugar consumption can result in high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL (good) cholesterol, all of which raise the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, excessive sugar consumption can lead to a rise in body fat, putting additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.

4.     Sugar can lead to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Consuming too much sugar can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, which can escalate to liver cirrhosis and cancer. NAFLD is growing more widespread, and it is frequently associated with a diet heavy on sugar and processed foods.

5.     Sugar can cause dental problems: Too much sugar can cause tooth decay, cavities, and even tooth loss. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and generate acid, which erodes tooth enamel.

6.     Sugar can lead to addiction:  Sugar has been found in studies to activate the same pleasure centres in the brain as narcotics like cocaine, resulting in addiction and cravings for sugary meals. This can result in an excessive sugar intake, which can be difficult to regulate.

7.     Sugar can cause skin problems: Too much sugar can cause wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. This is because sugar can induce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to skin issues.

8.     Sugar can disrupt your sleep:  Consuming too much sugar can cause insomnia and make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. This is because sugar can produce blood sugar changes, which can disrupt the body's regular sleep-wake cycle.

9.     Sugar can affect your mood: Too much sugar can cause mood changes, melancholy, and anxiety. This is because sugar can produce blood sugar changes, which can influence brain function and mood.

10.  Sugar is often hidden in foods: Many processed foods have added sugar, such as bread, pasta sauces, and even salad dressings, making it difficult to tell how much sugar we're consuming. It is critical to read food labels and understand the various names.

 Conclusion

To summarise, sugar may appear to be a harmless sweetener, yet it can have major detrimental impacts on our health. We can improve our overall well-being and lower our risk of chronic diseases by limiting our use of added sugars in our diets. It is critical to be aware of the hidden sources of sugar in our meals and make informed dietary decisions.

References

-       Added sugars and cardiovascular disease risk in children: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association," American Heart Association, 2014.

-       Sugar-sweetened beverages, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease risk," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010.

-       Added sugars and cardiovascular disease risk in children: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association," American Heart Association, 2014.

-       Sugar, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer," Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2017.

-       Sugar and Dental Caries," Journal of Dental Research, 2015.