Sugar is a common ingredient in many of our favourite foods and drinks, but consuming too much can negatively affect our health. Remember that there are two basic types of sugar. Natural sugars are found in whole, unprocessed foods — such as the fructose in bananas. Added sugars, like the ones in doughnuts and soda, are the ones to be more concerned about. Added sugar refers to any sugar that someone, be it you, a chef, or a food manufacturer, adds to food before consumption. Here are five reasons why we should avoid added sugar:
1. Sugar Can Contribute to Weight Gain and Obesity
One of the most well-known reasons for avoiding sugar is that it can cause weight gain and obesity. This happens because our bodies convert sugar into glucose, used as energy or reserved in the liver and muscles for future use. However, if we consume sugar over our body’s energy requirements, our bodies convert the excess glucose into fat, which is then stored. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
2. Sugar Can Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Consuming too much sugar can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. When we consume sugar, our bodies release insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, drinking too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which means our bodies are less able to use insulin effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs and tissues in our bodies over time and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Sugar Can Harm Our Dental Health
Sugar can also harm our dental health by contributing to tooth decay. When we consume sugar, the bacteria in our mouths feed on it and produce acid, which can erode the enamel on our teeth and lead to cavities. Consuming sugary drinks, such as soda or fruit juice, can harm our dental health because they can bathe our teeth in acid for extended periods.
4. Sugar Can Contribute to Inflammation in the Body
Another reason to avoid sugar is that it can contribute to inflammation. When we consume sugar, it can cause our blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, which can lead to inflammation. Many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, have been linked to chronic inflammation.
5. Sugar Can Be Addictive
Finally, sugar can be addictive, making it difficult to cut back on or eliminate from our diets. Consuming sugar activates the reward center in our brains and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. Over time, our brains can become accustomed to this dopamine rush, and we may crave more and more sugar to achieve the same effect. This can lead to a cycle of sugar consumption and addiction that can be difficult to break.
In conclusion, there are many good reasons to avoid sugar. From contributing to weight gain and obesity to increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and harming our dental health, sugar can negatively affect our health. Additionally, sugar can contribute to inflammation in the body and be addictive, making it difficult to cut back on or eliminate from our diets. However, reducing our sugar intake can improve our overall health and reduce the risk of several health problems.
