Refined sugar or added sugar is said to be the most harmful ingredient in the Standard American Diet (SAD).
Its harmful effects on metabolism may be traceable to many other diseases.
Below are 7 of the reasons for you go sugar-free for 2021:
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Sugar, as we all know, is bad for your teeth. What you may not know is that it is also bad for your gums. Bacteria which cause gum disease and loose teeth can metabolize sugar in its pure form in the mouth, leading to increase in the growth of these germs. Therefore, sugar can cause cavities and loose teeth.
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Sugar and Liver Disease. Overloading your diet with sugar can cause the liver to overwork to convert sugar into glycogen. When the saturation is reached, liver is forced to covert glycogen into fat, which in term has deleterious effect on the body. In more extreme cases of heavy sugar intake, the liver itself can be damaged, leading to Fatty-Liver-Disease.
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Sugar and Diabetes. Excessive intake of sugar can cause insulin resistance. Insulin is necessary for glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy. Excessive glucose can cause the cells to become “insulin resistant.” Be insulin resistant can be the cause of diabetes II, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
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Sugar and Cancer. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells. Insulin plays a key role in regulating cell growth. Elevated insulin levels because of abnormally high take of sugar can contribute to cancer, according to leading experts. Additionally, high blood glucose is associated with high levels of inflammation, which also contributes to higher risk of cancer.
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Sugar and Addiction. Sugar stimulate the production of dopamine from the “feel-good” center of the brain. Those who have susceptibility to addiction may become addicted to sugar and junk foods.
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Sugar and Obesity. Strong links have been found between sugar and obesity. That is no surprise. But obesity in children has been found to associated with sugar- sweetened beverages. There is a 60% chance of obesity in children who consume high amounts of these beverages.
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Sugar and Heart Disease. Strong links have been shown between sugar and heart disease. High intake of sugar can lead to rise in triglycerides, LDL, high blood glucose and abdominal obesity, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
So, cutting down or cutting out refined/added sugar in your diet can not only save your teeth, but can save your life. See your dentist regularly.
Make your goal for 2021 to cut down or cut out added sugar altogether.
Do it now! You won’t regret it.
