Want to know why sugars are bad for you?

Here is a list of 10 compelling reasons to cut out sugar from your diet.

#1: No dangerous sugar spikes!

The more sugary foods we eat, the more the insulin released from pancreas (pancreas is a small organ below our stomach which produces insulin, a hormone that can digest sugar and prevent high blood sugar levels).  Too much insulin in the body over a long period of time, results in insulin resistance which is the first step towards diabetes.  This is a condition where although the body has excess amounts of insulin, it is not able to function properly resulting in high blood sugar levels.  Sugary foods promote excess production of insulin.  Low sugar foods do not result in sugar or insulin spikes, thereby protecting against diabetes.

#2:   Sugar and tooth decay!

The cause effect relationship between sugary foods and teeth health are well known.  Sugar promotes accumulation of bacteria that cause tooth decay especially in young children who do not maintain dental hygiene.

#3 : Weight gain and sugar!

All things sinfully sugary will add to the waist woes!  Weight gain is a serious side effect of excessive sugar and sugary foods.  Obesity is linked to a host of health problems, including weak bones, arthritis, cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

#4:  Triglycerides and lipid levels!

The more the sugar, the more the triglycerides.  Excessive calories from simple sugars and fats result in these getting converted to triglycerides, a type of fat that circulates in the blood.  Elevated triglycerides are known to trigger blocks in the arteries by hardening them.

#5:  Autism!   

Mitochondria are small factories that produce the energy our brains and body cells need to function.  Among the causes of mitochondrial dysfunction environmental toxins like mercury, lead and persistent organic pollutants, sugar and processed foods, a nutrient-depleted diet,  and nutritional deficiencies.  Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to be the major cause in autism, a kind of neurological disorder seen in children, resulting in poor social skills and certain cognitive impairments.

#6: Hyperactivity!

Children who eat a lot of sugar and sweets are hyperactive. Refined (processed) sugars may have some effect on children’s activity. Refined sugars and carbohydrates enter the bloodstream quickly and cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels. This may make a child become more active.

#7: Low in fiber!

Sugar and other highly refined foods are devoid of fiber which is beneficial in a number of ways.  Fiber helps prevent some types of cancers including colon cancer, and reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in the body.  The health agencies worldwide recommend getting at least 35 grams of fiber from whole grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables.

#8:  Deficient in vitamins and minerals!

Most sugary foods are deficient in all other nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals.  Whether it is simple white sugar, candies, sweets or other desserts, unless they are fortified with extra vitamins, they are likely to be devoid of them.  And moreover, even if the sweet or sugar is fortified with vitamins, sugar interferes with their absorption, and less of these are available to the body.

#9:  Drowsiness!

Excess sugar is known to result in drowsiness during the day.  It is common for people to feel lethargic and drowsy in the office after eating a heavy meal that is rich in carbohydrates and simple sugars.  This hampers concentration and productivity!

#10: Acidity!  

Sugar and highly refined foods that get converted to sugar in the body are highly acidic . Eating foods that increase the acidity in the body  can cause diseases that include:

Osteoporosis
Tooth decay
Obesity
Cancer
Heartburn/gastric reflux
Arthritis
Yeast infections

The body’s pH or acidity level is normally maintained at 7.3 to 7.4 . When the body is acidic, it has mechanisms in place to try to counteract that and bring body pH back to this range.  For example, it pulls calcium from bones to neutralize the acidic pH, leading to osteoporosis and tooth decay. And fatty deposits form to trap acidic waste products which an otherwise overloaded system cannot excrete, leading to obesity.  Yeast infections result from a urine loaded with sugar since yeast, bacteria and fungus thrive on sugar.

Reduce and eliminate your health risks by cutting down and avoiding sugar as much as possible!  Choose Calorie care for healthy, delicious and nutritious meals , with calorie and sugar controlled options to suit every heatlh need.  Log onto caloriecare.com for more.