Unfortunately, a majority of delicious foods (even if they are necessarily sweet) contain sugar. The unfortunate part is that too much sugar can have a negative effect on one’s body in different ways. The CGS Team has taken the time to get some real facts about sugar, and the results are scary. Many people aren’t aware of the downside of the tasty ingredient. Whether you drink too many sodas in a day or love giving into your sweet tooth, having too much of sugar can be harmful. We aren’t saying not to eat anything with sugar, but always remember to keep it in moderation.
First and foremost, sugar has the same effects on your liver that drinking too much alcohol does.
According to Nature journal, a paper was written providing evidence that, “excessive sugar intake can have a toxic effect on a person’s liver.” Too much sugar in a person’s diet increases the same chronic risks that alcoholics suffer from in regards to liver failure. We all know that too much alcohol isn’t good for you, but you are doubling the negative effects by having a diet high in sugar, alcohol, and sugary-alcoholic drinks.
We’ve shared the main negative side effect of sugar on your insides, but let’s talk about the negative side effects that take place on the outside. A diet high in sugar can result in weight gain, skin discoloration and increases the rate at which wrinkles show. Sugar can contain an excess of calories, as well as unwanted elements that are harmful to your body.
A person who eats too much sugar will begin to see their skin looking and feeling older. The person will also notice a widening waist line! As your body tries to break down the sugar it initiates the inflammatory process that harms skin cells and turns off your natural defense against skin damage. Simply reducing the amount of sugar you eat daily can help achieve healthier looking skin as well as promote a smoother weight loss transition.
If you aren’t too big on nutrition and then you may not be aware that numerous foods that aren’t deserts contain hidden amounts of sugar. These hidden foods include tomato sauce, fat free dressing, tonic water, marinades, crackers and even bread. What’s even scarier is that “sugar” is not listed as a common ingredient on most food nutrition labels.
It’s usually hidden with the terms “sucrose”, “fructose”, “corn syrup” and many more. Avoid eating too many processed foods, which contain un-natural sugar ingredients. If you are going to have sugar, make sure it’s non-processed and avoid added sweeteners. Fruits are high in sugar, but it’s natural from the food. Ice cream, desserts, spaghetti sauce and other foods should be eaten in moderation.
Want to start keeping an eye on your sugar intake? Take a look at the picture below by Women’s Health Magazine that shows a full listing of common names or sugar.
Being mindful of what you put into your body is extremely important to your health. Try not to indulge yourself with too much sugar and remember to exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can slow the negative effects of sugar and everything else. What do you do when you are trying to cut back on sugar? How do you curb your sweet tooth? Share by leaving a comment below or in the Healthy and Happy group!
1 thought on “The Scary Truth About Sugar”
I remember reading that sugar contributes to aging. Other than taste, there doesn’t seem to be any benefit to eating sugar. I definitely will watch my sugar intake, I want to be as healthy as can be!