Our body converts sugar, a form of carbohydrate, into energy. Foods including milk, fruits, and vegetables are natural sources of it. Although added sugars frequently have a high calorie content and little nutritious value, many processed foods and beverages also contain them.
Our bodies convert sugar we eat into glucose, which is then utilized as an energy source by our cells. However excessive sugar consumption might be harmful to our health.
- Increased risk of obesity: Sugar provides calories without many necessary nutrients, which can cause weight gain and obesity. This is so because sugar has little nutritional benefits and a lot of calories.
- Increased risk of heart disease: Eating a lot of sugar raises blood triglyceride and inflammatory levels, which increases the chance of developing heart disease.
- Energy crashes: Eating sugary meals and beverages can cause energy crashes because the body quickly breaks down the sugar, causing a drop in blood sugar levels that makes you feel tired and irritable.
- Dental decay: Eating sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay because the bacteria in the mouth can use the sugar to make acid that erodes tooth enamel.
- Enhanced risk of diabetes: A high sugar intake has been associated with a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes. This is due to the fact that consuming too much sugar can result in insulin resistance, which can then cause blood sugar to rise and finally lead to diabetes.
- Increased risk of cancer: According to some research, eating a lot of sugar may make you more likely to get some cancers, such as pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer.
- Impaired immune response: An overindulgence in sugar can impair immunity, making it more difficult for the body to fight off diseases.
Although not all types of sugar have the same effects on the body, it’s still important to be aware of how much sugar we consume and to try to consume more naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, as opposed to added sugars, which are found in processed foods and beverages. By doing this, we can support the advancement of general health and wellbeing.
