Do you know the dangers of sugar in food? If not, this article is a must-read!
Are you aware of the dangers of sugar in food? There is considerable health risk associated with sugar consumption. According to Harvard University, individuals who consumed excessive sugar were twice as likely to die from heart disease. The daily recommended sugar intake for men and women is 6 to 9 teaspoons respectively. However, the average American consumes roughly 20 teaspoons of sugar per day. In addition to heart disease, there are many other health complications directly correlated to sugar intake. Life-threatening conditions like diabetes and kidney failure, amongst many others, are the result of a sugary diet. Read on to learn more about the dangers of sugar in food. Additionally, explore dietary adjustments to cut down on your daily sugar intake.
What Are the Dangers of Sugar in Food?
Excess sugar intake produces negative health outcomes throughout the body. As alluded to above, one of the most serious health complications from sugary foods is heart disease. Another negative health outcome is the likelihood of obesity. Health studies have shown that increased sugar consumption results in nearly 2 pounds of weight gain in just 2 months. Obesity is directly correlated to many other health complications.
Another serious health threat caused by sugar intake is level 2 diabetes. Medical experts contend that the body responds to added sugar by creating a resistance to insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for converting sugar to energy. A resistance to insulin results in increased sugar levels in the bloodstream. This is how the body becomes vulnerable to level 2 diabetes. These issues yield a negative ripple effect on the body. The kidneys' job is to filter out sugar in the bloodstream. When blood-sugar levels become too high, corrosive sugar gets in your urine. The end result of this over the long-term is kidney failure. Lastly, excess sugar consumption leads to issues in the liver, pancreas, and joints. Sugary foods and beverages also result in dental issues, even in young children.
How To Cut Down on Sugar Intake
The best way to cut down on sugar consumption is by avoiding specific food types. The number one source of sugar is beverages such as sports drinks and soda. Stunningly, sugary beverages represent one-third of American sugar consumption. After you throw away the soda, the next place to turn is junk food. American favorites like ice cream, cookies, and candy are all major sources of sugar. While it is fairly obvious that cake contains a lot of sugar, there are other less obvious foods to eliminate from your diet. For example, traditional tomato ketchup is a significant source of sugar. It's often sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and other sugar additives. Certain cereals, yogurts, and fruit juices are other surprising sources. To cut down on sugar intake, carefully review an item's nutritional facts before you purchase it. Reducing sugar consumption is a lifestyle change and it starts at the grocery store. The good news is that there are great-tasting, alternate foods and condiments available so you do not have to sacrifice quality.
Wrapping It Up
Clearly, excess sugar consumption puts your health at risk. Potentially fatal ailments like heart disease and diabetes are correlated with sugary foods and beverages. Now is the time to cut sugary beverages and foods from your diet. Do it for the health of yourself and your family. If you are concerned about sugar levels in condiments (and you should be!) check out our all natural, Stevia Sweetened sauces, including keto low carb ketchup and low carb BBQ Sauce.