We all love sugar. It tastes good, it makes any meal better. Almost any dessert contains lots of sugar in it. But we do we actually love it so much?
Addiction to sugar activates the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine and causing a feeling of pleasure and reward. Over time, frequent consumption of sugar can lead to addiction-like behavior, with cravings and withdrawal symptoms when sugar intake is reduced.
Convenience and availability of sugar makes it available in many processed and packaged foods. Thus making it easy to consume large amounts without realizing it. Sugar is bad for you especially because its readily available and affordable, making it an attractive option for people having any level of income.
Emotional eating causes many people to turn to sugar as a way to cope with stress, depression, or other negative emotions. Sugars can provide a temporary mood boost, but over time, it can contribute to a cycle of emotional eating and dependence on sugar for emotional regulation.
In some cultures, sweet foods are traditionally associated with celebrations and special occasions. Social pressure to conform to certain eating habits and preferences can also lead to consumption of way more sweets then your body needs or wants.
Many people are not aware that sugar is bad for you and your health. This is why people don’t limit amounts of consumed sweets. Sometimes you don’t even know that it is hidden in packaged foods that don’t taste sweet. Your regular meals like bread, salad dressings, and condiments are all made using different kinds sweeteners. There are not many people who actually understand the potential health consequences of consuming sugar too much.
Negative effects after eating sugar
Weight gain and obesity. Sugar is a high-calorie food with little nutritional value, so consuming too much of it can lead to weight gain and obesity. In addition, it increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to liver damage and other health complications.
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Increased risk of heart disease. Can raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Increased risk of kidney disease. Some studies have suggested that high sugar consumption may increase the risk of kidney disease, particularly in people with diabetes.
Poor dental health is caused by consumption of sweets & might contribute to the development of cavities and gum disease.
High sugar consumption harms your health because has been linked to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for a range of health conditions. If you are used to eat a lot of sweets it might increase levels of oxidative stress, cause you feel more nervous in certain situations.
Impaired immune function. Sugars weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections and illnesses.
Increased risk of cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer.
Accelerated aging. High consumption of sweets can contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can accelerate aging and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
Increased risk of depression. Some research has suggested that excessive sugar consumption may increase the risk of depression. Possibly sugar is bad for your mood and cognitive function.
What are the good and the bad sugars?
That are a lot of studies who also recommend to do exercise, control your sleep, as it helps with not only mental but physical health as well. But limiting bad impact of sweets is important.
Lets list all the bad sugars first to avoid them as much as possible:
- Added sugars are bad. These include fructose corn syrup, table sugar, sweet drinks/sodas;
- High fructose corn syrup (HFCS);
- Artificial sweeteners are not natural so in large quantities they cause a lot of negative effects;
- Refined carbohydrates (sugar added into processed foods like cereals etc.).
Not all sugars are bad! What sugars are good when utilized in limited quantitites:
- Sugar consumed from organic fruits like bananas, grapes, mangoes, cherries;
- Sugar consumed from organic vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, peas;
- Sugar from grains which include oats, quinoa, brown rice.
- Coconut sugar;
- Agave nectar;
- Fruit juice concentrate made from organic products.
Try to improve your diet, control what & when you eat to feel better. By having more info we can all make better decisions. Being mindful of our sugary products intake and opting for healthier alternatives can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. By making small changes to our diet and lifestyle, we can improve our energy levels, reduce our risk of chronic disease, and feel our best every day.