Studies from Harvard University show that sugar contributes to weight gain, diabetes, increased risk of chronic diseases, liver cancer, and death. The Harvard research found that the more sugary beverages a person drank, the higher their risk of early death from any cause increased.
Sugar is everywhere today, on the corner store, grocery store, restaurants and more!
Sugar The Most Toxic Thing Ever?
This man, Professor Robert Lustig thinks so.
The sugar documentary below shows you how sugar is loaded into many of the products you buy everyday, on purpose.
The Weighty Issue:
Let’s start with the obvious – sugar’s role in weight gain and obesity. It’s no secret that excessive sugar consumption is closely linked to packing on the pounds. A study published in the journal Obesity and conducted at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that sugary beverages are a significant contributor to weight gain and obesity. These beverages, often laden with high-fructose corn syrup, provide empty calories devoid of any nutritional value, leading to an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure.
The Diabetes Dilemma:
Beyond just expanding waistlines, sugar consumption is intricately linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. According to research from the Harvard School of Public Health, regularly consuming sugary drinks increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by a staggering 26%. This risk is attributed to the rapid spikes in blood sugar levels caused by sugary foods and beverages, which over time can lead to insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
Heartbreaking Consequences:
Heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, is another grave consequence of excessive sugar consumption. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that individuals who consumed 17-21% of their daily calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed only 8% of their calories from sugar. This alarming statistic underscores the detrimental impact of sugar on heart health and underscores the importance of cutting back on sugar intake for cardiovascular well-being.
Brain Drain:
Sugar doesn’t just harm our bodies; it also affects our brains. Research conducted at Harvard Medical School suggests that high sugar consumption may impair cognitive function and increase the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that diets high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance in the brain, disrupting neurotransmitter pathways and impairing memory and cognitive function over time.
The Sweet Cavity Issue
Sugars and gummies are causing cavities for many. Sugar’s role in causing cavities is rooted in the interaction between oral bacteria, sugars, and dental plaque. Here’s how it happens. Our mouths are home to various types of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria thrive on sugars from the foods and beverages we consume, especially sucrose (table sugar), glucose, and fructose. When we eat sugary foods, the bacteria in our mouth feed on the sugars and produce acids as byproducts. As the acids continue to erode the tooth enamel, dental plaque begins to form. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that adheres to the surface of teeth. The combination of bacteria and plaque accelerates the process of enamel breakdown, leading to the formation of cavities or dental caries.
Harvard’s Healthy Recommendations:
In light of the compelling evidence linking sugar to various negative health outcomes, Harvard’s experts offer practical recommendations to reduce sugar intake and promote overall health. They advocate for limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, opting for water or unsweetened alternatives instead. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of reading food labels carefully to identify hidden sources of sugar in processed foods and making conscious choices to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods over sugary snacks and desserts.
So What Is The Secret About sugar?
The secret is that when you quit sugar, your body will no longer crave it. But quitting sugar, can be hard. When you detox from sugar the body will remove the toxins. Many will get slightly sick, and have sugar withdrawal. That is normal. Some call this keto sickness.
Conclusion:
While the allure of sugar may be hard to resist, its detrimental effects on health cannot be ignored. From contributing to weight gain and diabetes to increasing the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline, sugar poses a myriad of health risks backed by rigorous scientific research, including studies conducted by esteemed institutions like Harvard University.
By being mindful of our sugar intake and making informed dietary choices, we can take proactive steps to safeguard our health and well-being in the long run. It’s time to embrace the bitter truth about sugar and reduce it as much as possible.
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