There is no denying that we have all been mystified by sugary treats right from our childhood. For some, the meal is incomplete if it does not have a ‘sweet’ end. Ironically, we turn to sugar to feel better and charged up but it has exactly the opposite effect in the longer run- it is a big health spoiler. Scientists have documented that sugar is addictive and is detrimental for your health and well being with a negative impact on almost every organ of your body.
Here are 10 reasons which are enough food for thought to make you quit sugar:
1 . Causes Weight Gain
Too many sugary foods in the longer run lead to insulin resistance which triggers fat storage and also slows metabolism- both havoc to your weight loss plans.Sugar/ fructose is also a cause of Leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that regulates energy balance and fat storage in our body. Its resistance is a major driving factor for obesity especially around the waist.
2 . Increases Risk Of Diabetes
Though eating sugar does not directly mean it will cause diabetes. however, regular consumption of sugar dense foods leads to high insulin levels in the body which contributes to insulin resistance and diabetes. Diabetes and weight gain also puts you at increased risk of developing heart related problems and metabolic syndrome.
3 . Increases Cholesterol Levels
Fat is not the only reason for increasing your cholesterol levels, refined sugar increases the triglycerides , LDL levels in the blood which deposit in the arterial walls and narrows them. Moreover, it also lowers the good cholesterol HDL in the bloodstream which further puts increased pressure on your heart functioning.
4 . Increases Risk Of Heart Diseases
Sugar rich foods cause spikes in insulin levels in the blood which negatively impacts the lining of the blood vessels. This in turn triggers the inflammatory responses; thus increasing the chances of cardiac diseases.
5 . Lowers Your Immunity
Too much sugar deactivates the infection fighting white blood cells and weakens the body defense mechanism. It is interesting to note that having one glass of sugar dense drink/ 1 bowl of sugary treat can turn off your immune system for a couple of hours and put you at an increased risk of contracting infections .
6 . Harms Your Liver
The excess sugar consumed puts your liver under high pressure to manage it well. Fructose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver. If the sugar is surplus, it gets converted and stored as fat in the liver. This coupled with insulin resistance leads to Non alcoholic fatty liver disease which can malign the normal functioning of the liver and be extremely deleterious in severe cases.
7 . Makes You Lethargic
Eating foods high in sugar give you an instant energy boost. In response to high sugar levels in the bloodstream, insulin is released which works on lowering the blood sugar levels thus causing a drop in sugar levels and energy slump. The crash in your sugar levels will set you wanting more sugar- trapping you in a vicious cycle. This is the reason you find yourself yearning for a nap mid day if you have munched on a chocolate.
8 . Triggers Ageing
Excessive sugar attaches to the collagen in the skin and makes it look dull and aged. It is also the most common cause of acne. Avoid sugar if you want a youthful and clear skin.
9 . Causes Anxiety And Depression
Ironically known for their mood lifting abilities, sugar is one of the most common causes of fatigue, anxiety and depression. This is because high sugars give you an adrenaline rush which spikes your dopamine levels. High dopamine levels can cause anxiety disorders, depression and aggressive behaviors.
10 . Causes Tooth Decay
High sugar in your diet increases your chances of tooth decay and gum diseases. Sugary foods and drinks cause plaque formation which if allowed to build up gives the bacteria an environment to break down the plaque and release acid which contributes to tooth decay.
WAYS TO WEAN YOURSELF OFF SUGAR
– Always give these ingredients a miss- fructose, corn syrup, nectars, malts. Any form of sugar ending with ‘ose’ must be a big no-no like glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose.
-Try natural sweeteners like stevia that have zero calories and are free from any side effects.
–Find alternatives to tingle your taste buds- flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves can replace your addiction to sugars if you develop a taste for these distinctive flavors.
–Indulge more on natural sugars from fresh fruits and vegetables.
-If you are a chocolate freak, opt for dark/ organic chocolates
-Increase your protein intake as it will keep you full for longer and help in preventing wrong food choices.
So, go ahead and take small but sure steps towards eliminating processed foods and sugar from your life. It will take a lot of time, effort and conviction, but the results are surely going to be rewarding.Stay Healthy! Stay Happy with 1mg, India’s best online medicine store!