Sugar is a substance without which sweet foods like tea, coffee etc. have no value. It is usually used by humans to make their mouths taste good. But the use of this high amount of sugar can cause a lot of harm to us. It causes a lot of harm to our body, if used in sufficient quantity, there is no harm, but if used in excess, especially in children, they can get worms. In the elderly, it can cause diabetes and many serious harmful diseases. Today, in this article, we will know some harmful ways of sugar.
1) What is sugar?
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that provides energy. Fructose (found in fruit) and lactose (found in milk). Natural sugars like these are healthy because they contain various minerals, fiber, and vitamins that are very beneficial for our body. But instead, refined sugar is usually found in non-nutritious products like soda, candy, and baking powder, which are very harmful to our body. It enters the bloodstream quickly and makes our body tired.
**Increase in blood sugar levels and lack of energy:
When we eat sugary foods, our blood glucose levels will increase and in response, our pancreas’ ability to maintain balance decreases. And insulin resistance can occur, which increases the likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Due to excessive consumption of sweets, almost all people suffer from diabetes in old age, due to which many rules have to be followed for eating and drinking.
* Heart effects:
One of the lesser-known dangers is its effect on the heart. High sugar intake increases bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while lowering good cholesterol (HDL). This imbalance increases inflammation of the arteries, high blood pressure, and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
A Harvard study found that people who drink sugary drinks every day have a 30% higher risk of dying from heart disease than those who drink very little.
**Tooth decay:
When we eat any food, the first place it goes is our mouth. Likewise, when we eat sweet foods, it is the first place that comes to our mouth. The bacteria in our mouth eat these sweet foods and destroy the enamel on our teeth. Then holes start forming in them and bad breath comes out of our mouth. Sugar is generally a very harmful food for our teeth.
Weight gain and obesity:
Excess sugar is one of the leading causes of obesity worldwide. When our bodies use sugar for energy, it stores the excess sugar as fat.
Sugar-sweetened drinks, pastries, and processed foods not only add calories but also suppress the feeling of fullness. This leads to overeating and weight gain, especially around the belly – which is linked to metabolic syndrome and heart disease.
*Liver problems:
Sugar, including soft drinks, contains fructose which is metabolized by the liver. So when we consume excess sugar, fat accumulates in our stomach which leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If this is not reduced, it can cause more damage to our liver.
*Effects on skin:
Sugar is a food that binds to excess proteins in the bloodstream, forming harmful molecules called advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs damage collagen and elastin – the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Fine lines, sagging, and dull skin. Reducing your sugar intake can literally brighten your skin naturally.
**Sugar lowers immunity:
Sugary foods suppress the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses. And they reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells and cause inflammation throughout the body. This means that eating too much sugary foods can increase the risk of infection, such as colds, coughs, flu, etc.
**Sugar Ingredients: (Short Description)
Main Ingredients: Sucrose – A natural carbohydrate made up of glucose and fructose.
Source: Extracted from sugarcane or sugar beet plants.
Natural Minerals (in raw/brown sugar): Small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
White Refined Sugar: 99.9% pure sucrose (almost no vitamins or minerals).
Brown Sugar: Sucrose + Molasses (added for flavor and color).
Powdered Sugar: Finely ground powdered sugar + a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
Molasses: Unrefined sugarcane juice that contains iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Sugar is a substance without which no food, especially sweet food, is possible. Just as sugar enhances the taste of food and makes people interested in eating. Such as sweets, yogurt, etc. Many types of food. Tea, coffee are impossible to make without sugar. Such excess sugar is very harmful to our body as we have learned in this article. Therefore, one should eat sufficient amount rather than eating excess amount.