What Does Sugar Do to Our Bodies?
Behind the sweet taste that makes you addicted, sugar can be dangerous if consumed in excess. Many people don’t even know their daily sugar intake and what it does to their bodies and brains.
Here are some facts about consuming sugar, including the good and bad news about what sugar does to our bodies and brains.
Sugar Intake in the United States
On average, Americans consume 94 grams of sugar each day. Whereas, the recommended amount of sugar intake is only 50 grams a day.
In 1970, people consumed approximately 87 grams a day. The number increased quite significantly to 111 grams a day in 1999. People seemed to consume less sugar as their daily intake declined to 94 grams a day in 2017.
After the highest sugar intake in 1999, manufacturers started to produce low-sugar food. Moreover, people were reported to be drinking less soda than before.
What Sugar Does to the Brain
There is a scientific reason why sugar can be addictive to some people. When sugar hits the tongue, the brain releases dopamine into your bloodstream and allows you to feel happier.
When consumed wisely, sugar can be a sweet fuel for the brain. People who fail to consume enough glucose, end up with low glucose levels, or hypoglycemia. When it happens, they’ll be having difficulty paying attention and maintaining cognition.
On the flip side, consuming too much sugar for a long period can lead to type 2 diabetes and can affect your brain’s function.
What Sugar Does to the Body
Sugar will be broken into two different molecules by the enzyme in our body. Those two enzymes are fructose and glucose.
Sugar from sugar cane and beets has equal fructose and glucose. While corn syrup that is produced in a laboratory has a higher amount of fructose.
Diseases of Consuming too Much Sugar
If we consume too much sugar for a long period, it will affect our bodies. Here are some diseases caused by eating too much sugar.
- Weight gain
- Risk of gout
- Liver damage
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
Sweet Foods That Contains Much Sugar
Here is a list of sweet foods and how much sugar is contained in them. Some of these foods are regarded as healthy food, but if you consume them excessively you’ll lose their benefits.
- Cereals: 44g of sugar per 100g serving
- Granola: 29 of sugar per 100g serving
- Protein bars: 29g of sugar per 100g serving
- Salad dressing: 16g of sugar per 100g serving
- Bottled iced tea: 10g of sugar per 100g serving
- Yogurt: 19g of sugar per 100g serving
- Canned fruit and fruit juices: 7.5g of sugar per 100g serving
- Soup: 16g of sugar per 100g serving
- Frozen food: 7.7g of sugar per 100g serving
- Baby formula: 8-56g of sugar per 100g serving
How to Limit Sugar Consumption
You still have the way out to live healthily without sacrificing your taste buds. Try these simple steps below.
- Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, such as soda
- Avoid refined carbohydrates and processed foods
- Cook at home as much as you can
- Read the labels on your food
- Be aware of anything ending in “-ose”, because it’s probably sugar
Last Advice
The key to living healthy is to live a balanced life. You’re not restricted to eating sugar, but you just need to consume it wisely.
Cook at home as much as possible to have a balanced meal that consists of proteins, fibers, vitamins, carbs, and good fat. Moreover, move your body to exercise regularly.
If you think your body is acting weird. Don’t be hesitant to see a doctor and ask for advice on a balanced diet.
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