Specifically, added sugars, which are the sweeteners and syrupsfood manufacturers add to productslike soda and cookies.
So, what exactly happens to your body when you eat too many sugary treats?
Heres what you might experience when you give your sweet tooth too much sway.
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That’s because sugar contains quick-digesting carbs while offering few other nutrients, so it isnt very satiating.
Plus, eating too much added sugar can also decrease appetite-suppressing hormones andboost levels of those that promote hunger.
Can Cause Cavities
Wanna keep your dental visits short and, um, sweet?
Cut back on sugar.
According to theWorld Health Organization, sugar is the essential dietary factor that leads to the development of cavities.
This acid ultimately demineralizes your enamel and dentin, the tissue that makes up the bulk of your teeth.
May Increase the Risk of Heart Disease
All that sugar-related inflammation can have some pretty troubling outcomes.
Besides being linked with the usual suspects, like autoimmune diseases, heart disease is also associated with inflammation.
According toHarvard Health, sugar is one of the greatest threats to heart health.
Olderresearch from 2010revealed that consuming excessive sugar created advanced glycation end products (aptly acronym-ed AGEs).
These byproducts of sugar harm collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, creating a less youthful appearance.
Acne might also get an unwanted boost from sugar in your diet.
How Much Sugar is Too Much?
For a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet, thats 200 calories, or about 12 teaspoons.
For optimal heart health, theAmerican Heart Associationrecommends keeping sugar even lower, at 6% of daily calories.
As for how to spot those sneaky sugars?
When purchasing foods, look at the added sugars line on the nutrition facts label.
This will tell you how many grams of added sweetener were used in the manufacturing process.
Does Eating Sugar Have Any Benefits?
Considering all the downsides of sugar, its only natural to wonder: are thereanyadvantages to consuming sweets?
Yes in certain situations.
Sugar is made of quick-digesting simple carbohydrates, which can provide fast energy during lengthy physical exercise.
And then, of course, theres sugars role in food enjoyment.
Humans are naturally wired to enjoy sweet foods, and we all deserve a treat from time to time.
Though sugar has its downsides, most of us dont need to nix it from our diets entirely.
Try these easy food swaps to limit the amount of sugar you take in each day:
