Sugar is one of the most common and widely used ingredients in modern diets. Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can have negative health consequences. In this blog post, our Stoke chiropractor will explain some of the reasons why reducing the amount of sugar you eat can lead to positive health benefits.
7 Health Reasons To Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
Reason #1: Reduces the risk of obesity
Obesity is a major public health issue in the UK, and consuming too much sugar is one of the contributing factors. Sugar is high in calories but low in nutrients, which means that consuming sugary foods and drinks can lead to over consumption of calories, leading to weight gain and obesity. Reducing the amount of sugar you eat can help to reduce your overall calorie intake, which can in turn help to reduce your risk of obesity.
Reason #2: Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by high levels of blood sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which over time can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. By reducing the amount of sugar you consume, you can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable, reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Reason #3: Protects your teeth
Consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on your oral health. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Reducing the amount of sugar you consume can help to protect your teeth and reduce your risk of dental problems.
Reason #4: Reduces the risk of heart disease
Excessive consumption of sugar can increase the risk of heart disease. Studies have found that a high intake of sugar can lead to elevated levels of triglycerides, which are a type of fat in the blood. High levels of triglycerides have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. By reducing your sugar intake, you can help to keep your triglyceride levels in check and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Reason #5: Improves cognitive function
Consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on cognitive function. Studies have found that a diet high in sugar can impair memory and learning and increase the risk of cognitive decline in later life. By reducing your sugar intake, you can help to improve your cognitive function and protect your brain health.
Reason #6: Boosts energy levels
Consuming too much sugar can cause energy crashes, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. This is because sugar causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a rapid drop, which can leave you feeling fatigued. By reducing your sugar intake and consuming more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, you can help to maintain stable blood sugar levels, leading to more sustained energy levels throughout the day.
Reason #7: Reduces inflammation
Consuming too much sugar can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to a wide range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. By reducing your sugar intake, you can help to reduce inflammation in your body and improve your overall health.
How To Cut Down Your Sugar Intake
Reducing the amount of sugar you eat can have numerous health benefits, from reducing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes to improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation. However, it can be difficult to calculate quite how much sugar you are consuming. While the usual suspects such as the sugar that we add to teas and coffees, soft drinks, cakes and biscuits are most obvious, a great deal of sugar consumed has been hidden in foods and drinks we eat.
If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, start by cutting back on sugary drinks and snacks, and focusing on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. The NHS Live Well website contains some useful information on how to cut down on sugar which goes into more detail about checking food labels along with mealtime advice.
By making small changes to your diet, you can help to improve your overall health and wellbeing.