6 ways in which sugar adds bitterness to your health (and your kid’s too)
Sugar has become an indispensable part of our life. Those lip-smacking and delectable desserts are a wonderful treat. Savoury delights like cold drinks and sweet beverages are just the right way to beat the heat on a hot summer day, are they not? No.
We all know that cutting down sugar from the diet is a great way to reduce weight. What if I tell you that there are a lot of other reasons for which you should try to reduce sugar in your diet? You will be shocked to know some of the ill-effects of sugar on your body. Recent research has shown that sugar does more harm to your body than you can think of. Read on to know.
It makes you look older
This is not a joke. Some part of your dietary sugar attaches to proteins and changes their structure. When these altered proteins make body tissue, it has much less elasticity. The more sugar you eat, the more is attached to proteins to decrease the elasticity of your skin and tissues. This leads to sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines. All of these are considered signs of ageing. Why spend unnecessarily on anti-ageing creams when you can simply cut down sugar?
It affects ability to learn new things
This point is especially relevant for parents who give their children supplements loaded with sugar. Studies have clearly established that reducing sugar and eliminating artificial colours and preservatives from school meals resulted in much concentration and learning ability in children. The next time you give your child an energy drink or processed food that has added sugar, artificial flavours and preservatives, think about this point.
It increases the risk of many diseases
Not only diabetes, but cancer, depression, kidney problems and heart disorders also have a direct link with sugar consumption. This may be because sugar makes you gain weight, and also because sugar increases inflammation, blood pressure and triglycerides. Sugar is also the reason for altered synthesis and release of neurotransmitters that regulate your emotions and mood. Why go to the doctor when it is too late? Why not cut down sugar from your diet and keep these diseases at bay?
It aggravates acne
If clear skin is what you desire then you must decrease your dietary sugar consumption. Population studies clearly demonstrate that people consuming home-cooked and non-processed food have much lesser cases of acne. It is to be noted that almost all processed foods have added sugar. Cutting down on dietary sugar will definitely help you control acne.
It causes dental caries
Excessive consumption of sweets causes cavities, and that is why we run behind our children with the toothbrush every night and morning. The lesser sugar you consume, the lesser is the likelihood of developing dental caries. Oh, and your breath will be much better when you wake up.
It makes stress worse
Contrary to the belief that eating chocolate or ice cream will help ease your emotional pain, studies have established that eating sugary food can cause the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol and epinephrine. A sudden rush of these hormones can induce stress or make it worse.