Sugars are a type of simple carbohydrate found naturally in certain foods and drinks. They are also an additive in some foods and drinks. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to health problems, such as increased risk of weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay, etc. Many healthy food products, such as dairy products, vegetables, and fruits, naturally contain sugars. The sugar in these foods makes them taste sweeter. It is important to include these foods in your diet, as they come with a variety of other nutrients that provide valuable health benefits. However, manufacturers tend to add sugar to foods like cereals and cakes, as well as some beverages. It is these added sugars, or free sugars, that cause health problems. Unlike foods and drinks that naturally contain sugar, those with added sugar have no nutritional value. They are also a poor source of energy because the body digests added sugar very quickly. Excessive consumption can lead to long-term health problems.
This article looks at five reasons why added sugars are bad for you.
1. Lack of nutritional value
Sugar is an empty calorie. Adding it to food and drinks drastically increases their caloric content without providing any nutritional benefits. The body usually digests these foods and drinks quickly. This means that they are not a good source of energy. Products that naturally contain sugar are different. For example, fruits and dairy products contain natural sugars. The body digests these foods at a slower rate, making them a long-lasting source of energy. These products also tend to contain other nutrients. For example, they also contain fiber and a number of vitamins and minerals. The average adult in the West consumes about 308 calories from added sugars per day. This is much higher than the recommendations that recommend 100 calories from added sugars for women and 150 calories for men. Consuming empty calories negates the health benefits of consuming other foods and beverages that have nutritional value. It can also cause imbalances, as nutrient deficits can lead to other health complications.
2. Weight gain
Weight gain is a significant risk of excessive dietary sugar consumption. In most cases, sugary foods and drinks are high in calories. Excessive consumption of these products leads to weight gain, even with regular exercise. There is strong evidence showing that excess sugar in the diet is a cause of weight gain. Since foods with added sugars are generally digested faster by the body, they don’t suppress hunger for long. This can lead to eating more regularly throughout the day and a higher total calorie intake.
There is also some evidence to suggest that sugar may affect the biological pathways that regulate hunger. Leptin is a hormone that regulates hunger by determining how much energy the body needs. Disruption of leptin function can lead to weight gain and obesity. A study conducted in rats found that a diet high in fat and sugar could lead to leptin resistance. Leptin resistance occurs when the body no longer responds properly to leptin. The study authors found that eliminating sugar from the diet reversed leptin resistance. Another 2014 study found that sugary drinks may be a particular problem for leptin resistance.
It is important to note that sugar alone does not cause weight gain or obesity. Sugar is one cause among others. Being overweight or obese is the result of a complex interaction between diet, physical activity, genetics, and social and environmental factors. However, limiting the amount of sugar in the diet is one of the easiest ways to prevent weight gain.
3. Diabetes
Drinking sodas or other sugary drinks can increase the risk of developing diabetes. There is a link between the consumption of sugary drinks and the development of type 2 diabetes.
It is not true that sugar alone causes diabetes. Any diet high in calories can lead to type 2 diabetes. However, in most cases, diets high in sugar are high in calories. This can increase the risk of diabetes.
Sugary drinks are particularly problematic. A meta-analysis of data from 310,819 people found that people with high consumption of sugary drinks had a 26% higher risk of type 2 diabetes than people with low consumption. The study defined “high consumption” as between one and two sugary drinks per day.
4. Tooth decay
Sugar consumption can cause cavities, which can lead to cavities. After eating sugar, bacteria in the mouth form a thin layer of dental plaque on the teeth. These bacteria react with sugars in food and drinks. This reaction triggers the release of an acid that damages the teeth. The body may repair some of this damage on its own. However, over time, a high-sugar diet causes lasting damage. This can lead to tooth decay. Cavities are leaky holes that form in the teeth.
Limiting the consumption of foods high in sugar is an effective way to prevent cavities.
5. Heart disease
Diets high in sugar can increase the risk of heart disease. The results of a 15-year study suggest that people whose diets contain a lot of added sugar are much more likely to die of heart disease than people whose diets contain little added sugar. Again, research suggests that sugary drinks may be particularly problematic in increasing the risk of heart disease. This association could be explained by the fact that sugary drinks are high in calories, have no effect on hunger, and provide insufficient energy. Although there is a clear link, more research will be needed to better understand the relationship between sugar and heart disease.
How to recognize hidden sugar
Added sugars can appear in many surprising products. Checking the contents of foods before buying them is one way to avoid added sugars. However, on some food labels it’s hard to tell if they contain added sugar, as there are many different names for it.
Here are some examples of other names for added sugar:
dextrose
saccharose
agave nectar
maltose
molasses
Sweetie
high fructose corn syrup
corn sweetener
crystalline fructose
evaporated cane juice
To maintain a healthy diet, it is best that men consume no more than 36 grams (g) of added sugar per day, and women consume no more than 25 g per day.
This is the recommendation of the trusted source AHAT. Currently, the average person in the United States consumes much more than these limits.
Summary
Sugar is not unhealthy in and of itself. However, consuming a natural source of sugar is healthier than consuming added sugars. Too much sugar in the diet can cause a variety of conditions, including heart disease, weight gain, and diabetes. To be aware of added sugars in food products, it is important to read labels carefully.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.