Sugar and Health

Sugar – Health – Sport

Important reasons to avoid sugar

Studies conducted in the American population have found that the average American consumes 82 grams of sugar per day. This figure is far higher than the recommended 25 grams for men and 38gr for women. Through the well-known work of leading researcher Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL, we understand that sugar has negative effects on our health.

This article outlines the most significant negative effects of sugar on our body.

Sugar – Health – Sport – Negative effects

• -Negative effect on learning areas: research has shown that diets high in corn sugar (mainly HFCS) and fructose have a negative effect on learning ability.
• -The brain does not recognise foods containing high-fructose corn syrup as normal food. As a result, NPY is produced, a chemical that reduces metabolism and increases appetite. We give our body a signal to continue eating.
• -Sugar also has a negative effect on our skin. Excess sugar molecules attach to collagen fibres, affecting their flexibility and strength. Excess sugar in our body is stored as fat. Saturated fats are among the factors implicated in heart disease. According to Dr Lustig, excess fructose in our body is converted into fat, followed by increased body weight, leading to obesity and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.
• -Sugar also has a negative effect on the body’s cells. The oxidation process of cells is a normal process. However, according to Dr Lustig, fructose can cause damage to proteins, tissues and organs.
• -Addiction to sugar consumption also contributes to the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the reward and pleasure centre located in the brain. Dopamine receptor neurons become overstimulated, reducing the number of receptors, meaning that you need a greater dose of dopamine when it is needed during periods of alertness.
• -Eating food helps relieve stress. The truth is that sugar temporarily reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), but on the other hand, excessive sugar consumption increases the body’s insulin resistance, which is also responsible for increased stress in the body.
• -Simple sugars provide rapid and sharp energy. In this way, they give the body a quick surge of energy. Unfortunately, this energy is short-lived and is followed by a sharp drop in blood glucose levels. In practice, when this happens, you will feel that you have run out of energy.

Above, 8 effects of sugar intake on our body are mentioned.

In the article below, you will find 146 reasons why sugar can damage our health.