How Sugar Affects Your Health

How Sugar Affects Your Health

Sugar consumption is very high among Americans, averaging about 20 teaspoons per person per day. Research shows that too much sugar in the diet can lead to many health problems. According to the American Heart Association, the maximum amount of sugar you should eat in a day is 9 teaspoons for men and 6 teaspoons for women (1).

Sugar, also called carbohydrate, is the body’s main source of energy. But there are different forms of sugar that make a difference in our health. Naturally occurring sugar in fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy contain essential minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, with a little protein and fat. Sugar alone will cause blood sugar to spike and plummet. Protein, fat, and fiber helps to keep blood sugar from spiking and maintain a steady supply of energy to the cells. High fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains actually help to reduce the risk of chronic disease by controlling blood sugar and lowering cholesterol (2).

 

Why sugar is unhealthy

Eating a sweet treat isn’t going to cause harm, but it’s daily over-consumption that can lead to elevated blood sugars and weight gain (3). Studies have confirmed excess sugar consumption to be associated with increased inflammation in the body, causing obesity and chronic disease, specifically heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers (4)(5).

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is sweetener made from corn that includes fructose and glucose and is added to many beverages and processed foods. Since fructose is metabolized in the liver, large amounts can cause more fat storage, fatty liver disease, and high triglycerides, which are risk factors for heart disease (6).

The immune system can be affected by high consumption of sugar and hinder the ability to fight sickness.

Research also shows a link between sugar and an increased risk of depression (7).

Other names for sugar

There are many different names used for sugar that are hidden on ingredient labels. Look for these names and limit or avoid them as much as you can.

  • Corn syrup
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Fruit juice concentrate
  • Cane juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Agave nectar
  • Maple syrup
  • Dextrose
  • Fructose
  • Glucose
  • Lactose
  • Maltose

 

What foods to avoid

Soda – There is not only a ton of sugar in soda, but it also contains other ingredients that are not good for you. Sparkling water or kombucha are better low/no-sugar alternatives that are carbonated.

Fruit juices – There’s just as much sugar in fruit juice as there is in soda. Drink more water.

Baked goods – This includes pastries, donuts, cookies, and cakes. Although delicious, they are very high in sugar.

Candy – Replace with healthier sweet options like dark chocolate or berries.

Low-fat foods – These foods are often high in sugar because the fat has been removed. Use full fat options instead.

 

If you are looking for the highest quality Vitamin and Mineral Supplements personalized for you, please go to www.personanutrition.com and take our on-line questionnaire providing individualized vitamin and mineral recommendations. Persona is the only Science-Based supplement provider on the web today! Take advantage of our knowledge and use it to your health’s benefit!

Sources:

  1. Johnson RK, Appel LJ, Brands M, et al. Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2009;120(11):1011-20.
  2. Surampudi P, Enkhmaa B, Anuurad E, Berglund L. Lipid Lowering with Soluble Dietary Fiber. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2016;18(12):75.
  3. Campos C. Chronic hyperglycemia and glucose toxicity: pathology and clinical sequelae. Postgrad Med. 2012;124(6):90-7.
  4. Fung TT, Malik V, Rexrode KM, Manson JE, Willett WC, Hu FB. Sweetened beverage consumption and risk of coronary heart disease in women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(4):1037-42.
  5. Larsson SC, Bergkvist L, Wolk A. Consumption of sugar and sugar-sweetened foods and the risk of pancreatic cancer in a prospective study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(5):1171-6.
  6. Ter horst KW, Serlie MJ. Fructose Consumption, Lipogenesis, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Nutrients. 2017;9(9)
  7. Guo X, Park Y, Freedman ND, et al. Sweetened beverages, coffee, and tea and depression risk among older US adults. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(4):e94715.

 

This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. Do not use the information from this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this article.
1

Interested in learning what supplements are right for you? Take our free assessment.

START ASSESSMENT
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the
best experience on our website. Learn more.