Sugar is available everywhere from soft drinks to candies. It is hidden in almost every food that we always eat. Although sugar can make your food sweet, excess quantity of sugar can give harmful effects to your body and health. In this article we will talk about the truth of sugar and its effect on your body.
What happens when you eat sugar
When you eat sugar then your body converts it into glucose. In the next step it absorbs into your blood. Glucose is a source of energy for your cells but excess quantity of sugar can overload your body. With the passage of time excess quantity of sugar can cause serious problems such as weight gain, changes in mood etc.
Eating much quantity of sugar can also affect your sugar level in the blood. Your body gives a response by releasing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by pancrease. It helps your body to regulate the sugar level. It can be done by converting the sugar into its stored form called glycogen. Continuously increasing sugar level can make you feel tired, hungry or irritable.
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Sugar and weight gain
Eating much sugar can be a cause of weight gain. It is a one of the most noticeable effects. When you eat sugar then the number of calories increases but nutrition is less. It forces you to eat more without feeling full. Especially juices and drinks are very bad for your health.
With the passage of time eating much sugar can make excess fat around your belly. It can become a risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health risks.
Effects on heart health
Eating much sugar also has severe effects on the heart. Excess quantity of sugar can increase your blood pressure and also increase harmful fats in your blood. It can force your heart to work hard. it can become a cause of heart attack and stroke.
Studies show that people who eat more than recommended quantity of sugar have a high risk of heart disease.
Sugar and diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the well-known risks of sugar. You cannot get diabetes directly if you eat excess sugar but it can increase your weight and make resistance against insulin. Sugar causes resistance against insulin when proper amount of insulin is not secreted. At last it becomes a cause of type 2 diabetes. Millions of people are affected by it.
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Effects on your teeth
Sugar is also harmful for your teeth. Sugar can produce harmfull bacteria if it stays in your mouth. These bacteria produce acid that attacks your teeth and may cause cavities. You can stop this process by regular brushing and reducing sugar level.
How to reduce sugar
Reducing the quantity of sugar does not mean you stop eating sugar. There are some simple tips:
- Read labels carefully: try to find the quantity of sugar in packed foods.
- Select natural sweeteners: Honey, dates and sweet fruits can stop your sweet cravings.
- Drink water instead of sweet juices: Soda, energy drinks and sweet coffee contain much quantity of sugar.
- Cook at home: By cooking at your home you get control on the quantity of sugar.
Final thoughts
Sugar is not bad but its excess quantity can give you side effects. You can enjoy healthy life by understanding the effects of sugar on your body and by adopting some changes. You can also protect your body by avoiding excess sugar. It also increases your energy level. Start with small steps and your body will thank you.