It’s hardly news that refined sugar is harmful to your health.
I’ll save you the crying session on how all things that taste GR8 are bad for you. Because with the many natural and beneficial alternatives out there, there is no reason to fret. We now have healthy versions of everything from peanut butter cups to bread buns.
What is it that refined sugar causes that is so bad and is it that bad? Here’s the data for you to weigh about how consuming a diet with refined sugar can hurt.
Physical Concerns
Besides the fact that sugar can make one gain weight, there’s a lot more at risk with regular consumption than a few extra pounds. These are the physical risks of consuming refined sugar, though they are, in fact, more expansive over time and on a case by case basis.
- High glucose levels
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
- Poor gut health
- Risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity
- Lower immune function
- Increased signs of aging
- Tooth decay
- Overall inflammation
Mental Concerns
Unfortunately, the effects of regular consumption of refined sugar are not limited to the physical body. It might feel unreasonable to think that a few cupcakes could affect your mental state, but they can. Here are some of the associated mental risks of consuming refined sugar.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Addiction to sugar
- Greater risk of depression
- Heightened anxiety
- Cognitive stunting in children
- Increased stress and irritability
Refined sugar, more commonly recognized as white sugar is not detrimental in small doses. However, its many disguises on nutrition labels and within food make it a silent culprit for disease and ailments of all kinds. Know the risks, and know the alternatives.
If you’re someone who has a tough time envisioning their life without their favorite products, know that it’s never too late to chuck that belief out the door. Forget the aesthetic image. Your health is at stake. Ensure that you can enjoy your favorite sugary foods in moderation and peace by limiting them as much as possible.