Because it ain’t so sweet!
We know that sugar does not contribute in any way towards our better health, especially refined and processed sugars. These come under many guises including brown sugar, cane sugar, dextrose, sucrose, and high fructose corn syrup.

Sugar, in any of its forms, is added to many of our foods, so we usually consume more than we think. To reduce sugar intake, get familiar with the terms and ingredients labels, and how to get your sweetness from better natural sources.

Should you require further convincing on reasons to avoid the refined ‘white stuff’, browse through some of the potential harm it does to our minds and bodies;

1. Sugar is addictive
2. It is high in calories
3. It contributes to weight gain and obesity
4. Abuse of sugar results in type 2 diabetes
5. Sugar affects blood sugar levels, causing a surge in energy
6. Then comes a crash – the highs and lows of addiction
7. We become insulin resistant, so our pancreas has to work harder
8. This affects other hormones, specifically adrenaline
9. Leading to adrenal stress and fatigue
10. Too much sugar makes us feel lethargic
11. Consuming sugar only temporarily satisfies a craving
12. Sugar addiction causes us to eat many processed foods
13. It is ‘empty calories’ – devoid of nutrients
14. It affects our immunity
15. Sugar is implicated in hyperactivity and ADHD
16. It causes tooth decay
17. Drinking sugary sodas means we drink less water, and become dehydrated
18. It results in chromium deficiency, which is required for our metabolism
19. Sugar affects the absorption of calcium and magnesium
20. It can cause osteoporosis and bone disease
21. It has a negative impact on collagen and elasticity of skin
22. This leads to facial wrinkles and premature aging
23. It reduces good cholesterol (HDL), increase triglycerides, elevates harmful cholesterol (LDL)
24. Therefore, it is implicated in cardiovascular disease
25. It overloads the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
    
    
    
26. Sugar addiction is possible, which can lead to alcoholism
27. It promotes overeating or binge eating
28. This affects our body confidence and self-esteem
29. It feeds candida (fungal infections)
30. Sugar increases fluid retention
31. This leads to hemorrhoids and varicose veins
32. It causes acidic imbalance
33. This affects stomach acid – HCL
34. This puts strain on our kidneys and gallbladder
35. Sugar can cause headaches and migraines
36. It is linked to learning difficulties
37. Also associated with Alzheimer’s and other brain illnesses
38. Abuse can lead to depression
39. Sugar can cause eczema and other skin disorders
40. It affects pregnancy health, e.g. toxemia
41. Raises level of serotonin
42. It is implicated in cancer, due to the effect on metabolism
43. Releases dopamine (feel good factor) in brain, therefore, addictive
44. Sugar is claimed to be as addictive as cocaine
45. It increases abdominal fat
46. We miss out on great, healthy, sweet alternatives
47. Leads to artificial sugar consumption, which is no better
48. Feeding a sugar habit costs money
49. Feeding a sugar habit costs us our health
50. And finally…you’re sweet enough.

Reducing the amount of refined sugar in our diet, whatever level we currently consume, can only benefit our health now and in the future. Decide what approach works best for you – one step at a time, or a ‘cold-turkey’ approach*. The immediate benefits alone are more energy, better focus, better skin, and a slimmer waist. What more of an incentive do we need?

* For tips on how to reduce sugar intake, please refer to my other article You’re Sweet Enough

Visit the Health & Vitality page to find out more about Liza's business.

^{This article was originally published on Health and Vitality blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.}
_{First published on InTheLoop}

_{Edited by Nedda Chaplin}

Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!