When you eat, food molecules are broken down into a simple sugar called glucose, which fuels your cells and gives your body energy. But most of the time when we talk about sugar we are referring to added sugar. This is sugar that is added to foods and drinks as a preservative or to provide flavor. These types of sugars - such as sucrose (white table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup (a processed combination of sugars and corn syrup) - are derived from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet. They increase your blood glucose immediately, give you a quick boost of energy, and then cause you to crash.
Consuming a lot of these sugars also contributes to extra calories in your diet and can set the stage for a variety of health problems. Consider that in 1700, the average person ate about four pounds of sugar per year, while today it is estimated that half of all Americans eat one-half pound of sugar per day.
Too much sugar can lead to: Tooth decay. Sugar allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, which causes cavities. Poor diet. If you are filling up on sugary foods and drinks, you are likely missing out on important nourishment from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Weight gain. One of the biggest precursors to obesity is sugar overload, especially from sodas. Cardiovascular issues.
Sugar increases your blood fat levels, which can lead to heart disease. If you have a sugar craving, have a piece of fruit. The natural sugar in fruit (fructose) is combined with good nutrients and fiber, so it doesn't have these negative effects in the body. Limit daily sugar intake to 40 grams at most. Be careful with sugar substitutes, too. Try natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and agave.
Moderation is key This article is courtesy of Fullerton Cardiovasculae
