Is sugar harmful to human health?

All of us from childhood know that sugar is harmful to health. But is it really so? Modern medicine answers: uniquely - yes! However, if you do not know exactly how much sugar affects your health, learn 10 main reasons why you should limit its consumption. So, whether sugar is harmful to human health is the topic of discussion for today.

Here are the main reasons why sugar is harmful.

1. Sugar causes a sharp drop in blood glucose

Unstable blood sugar levels often lead to mood swings, fatigue, headaches and cravings for more sugar. It is necessary at such forms of dependence, under which each new portion of sugar makes you feel better temporarily, but after a few hours you again experience an acute need for sugar and starve. However, those people who avoid sugar in general, rarely or not at all feel the need for candy. At the same time, they feel emotional stability and fullness of life. That is, life without sweet is possible - it is only necessary to get used to it.

2. Sugar increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Extensive research shows that the higher the glycemic index (GI) of food a person consumes (that is, the foods that quickly affect blood sugar levels), the greater the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. New research shows a link between high GI and various forms of cancer. It has long been known that a large amount of sugar can provoke heartaches. There is even such a concept of "glucose shock" - this is when a person consumes too much sugar at a time.

3. Sugar affects the immune system

Studies in humans in this area have never been carried out, but studies in animals have shown that sugar suppresses the immune system. We need more research to understand the exact mechanism of this process. But it is already known for certain that bacteria are in the sugar, and when these organisms go "out of control", infections and diseases affect us. "Sweetheads" are more likely to get sick - this is a proven fact. Now scientists are close to that. To prove the root cause of this phenomenon.

4. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar leads to a deficiency of chromium

It's a bit of a vicious circle: if you eat too much sugar and other refined carbohydrates, you do not get enough chromium, and one of the main functions of chromium is to regulate your blood sugar. According to experts, most of us do not get enough of dietary chromium.

Chromium is found in various animal products, seafood and fish, as well as in most plant products. Processed starch and other carbohydrates are able to "steal" chrome from products. Therefore, it is best to eat whole-grain bread. You can also take chromium additionally, but you need to consider that it is digested very badly.

5. Sugar accelerates aging

Excessive consumption of sugar is a sure sign of aging. The first thing you notice is the sagging of the skin. Part of the sugar that you eat, after striking the blood, ends the attack, attracting proteins to itself - a process called glycation. These new molecular structures help to lose the elasticity of the body tissues - from the skin to the organs and arteries. The more sugar in the blood, the faster the tissue is damaged. So sweet - not at all useful for women who want to prolong their youth and beauty.

6. Excess from acharia causes caries

With all the other life-threatening consequences, sugar is one of the main causes of dental diseases. Perhaps. This is the only harm of sugar, which we know from early childhood. With this it is difficult to argue. Actually, the cause of tooth decay is not sugar as such, but the fact that it is very "fond" for bacteria that settle on the teeth. Hence the appearance of plaque and tartar. Caries occurs in the process of exposure to bacteria on the surface of the teeth.

7. Excess sugar can cause cardiovascular disease

Recent data show that chronic infections, such as periodontal disease, play a role in the development of coronary artery disease. The most popular theory is that the body responds to a wide range of infections. The most common infection after taking sugar in large doses is precisely the infection of the gums. Therefore, this is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease.

8. Sugar affects behavior and cognitive abilities in children

Everyone knows if sugar is harmful to children. However, very few people know that sugar affects the child's psyche. It is believed that one of the causes of attention disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can be the use of sugar. Many children with attention deficit disorder have an irresistible desire to consume foods high in sugar, leading to hypoglycemia.

All foods high in sugar cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, which leads to a temporary influx of energy, as well as hyperactivity. This inevitably leads to irritability, problems with sleep and lack of concentration. Therefore, if for the most part of the time - especially for breakfast - low blood sugar and energy will remain stable, it will allow the child to focus better and stabilize his emotions.

9. Sugar increases stress

Ironically, excessive sugar leads to an increase in the production of stress hormones. These chemicals are a real "ambulance" for the body. They come into force when the blood sugar level is low. When he goes off scale - the stress begins to arise literally from nowhere.

For example, a sugar "bomb" (say - a piece of cake) causes the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. One of the main things these hormones provide is an increase in blood sugar levels. Thus, a charge of energy is quickly supplied to the body. The problem is that these hormones can make us feel anxious, irritable and even afraid. Contrary to the popular belief that sweet improves mood, it must be noted that excess sugar leads to stress.

10. Sugar prevents the absorption of important nutrients

Studies by nutritionists show that people who consume large doses of sugar have minimal absorption of vital nutrients, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B-12, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Unfortunately, those who consumed the greatest amount of sugar are children and adolescents. These are the very people who most need these nutrients.

Perhaps acquaintance with these ten reasons will convince you not to eat sugar (or, at least, not in such large quantities). Try to be more careful in choosing food. The first step, however, is to start by finding out where there is "hidden" sugar. Do you want to believe it or not, but the food does not need to have a sweet taste to indicate the sugar content. Therefore, always read the labels carefully on the product packages. Now you know exactly whether sugar is harmful to health - a person must take care of his condition and his body.