Are you a sugar addict? Know these big advantages of stopping sugar from your diet

Most people love to have sugar in their diet. How a party occasion is complete without sugar rich food and drinks in it? But sugar sometimes turns out to be a villain in our life. There are good sugars and bad sugars. Good sugars occur naturally – like the ones found in fresh fruits, vegetables and specific grains – are necessary for the body because it serves as fuel, according to the American National Institute of Health. Bad sugars are added sugars, which are piled into processed foods like doughnuts, juice and sodas.

The problem with added sugars isn’t consumption – a teaspoon of sugar in your tea or a modest slice of cake aren’t out to get you. The real issue is overconsumption. According to a 2018 study by UK insurance provider Protectivity, the UAE is one of the top consumers of sugar in the world, with an average of 213kg per year, per person. That, according to the same study, equals approximately 146 teaspoons of sugar daily.

In the very occasion of Dubai Fitness Challenge, read this article to know what all benefits your body gets if you attempt to cut down your sugar content.

Reduce risk for obesity and cardiovascular conditions

When you eat food, your body produces a hormone called insulin to break down sugar to use for energy or stored for later. Too much sugar – and therefore insulin – results in increased fat cells, leading to weight gain. Replace refined sugar with healthy fats to keep your insulin levels stable. This can help you lose weight and abdominal fat, therefore reducing your risk for obesity and heart diseases.   

Cut the risk for diabetes

When you eat food with high levels of added sugar, your body is forced to produce enough insulin to convert and store it. Your body may lose its ability to effectively regulate blood sugar levels, resulting in Type 2 Diabetes. So, either your body stops creating enough insulin or your cells stop responding to the insulin it does produce. Cutting down refined sugars from your diet can help you lose weight and better protect you from developing diabetes as a result.

Improve your skin

If you struggle with acne-prone skin or simply care about its general condition, cutting out sugar can result in clearer and younger-looking skin. High amounts of sugar in your body can break down collagen and elastin – the proteins which give your skin its natural elasticity and bounce – thus accelerating the signs of aging. Give your skin a break by avoiding foods with a high glycaemic index.   

Better for your teeth

Your mouth is already home to a universe of bacteria, some good and some bad. Some kinds of bacteria produce acid when they encounter sugar, removing minerals from your tooth enamel, the shiny and protective layer covering your tooth. While your saliva can help counter this process, overexposure results in cavities.

According to a study on sugar and dental health, sugar attracts destructive forms of bacteria that form a sticky film called dental plaque on your teeth, altering your mouth’s pH to be more acidic. It’s always a great idea to reduce sugary soft drinks, juices and candies to improve your dental health in the long run.

Enjoy long-lasting energy

Food like sodas, energy drinks and candy put high levels of sugar in your body. While they may give you a sudden surge of energy, it can also cause fatigue and negatively affect your mood.  Replacing refined sugar intake with complex carbs, healthy fats and protein is a formula for more sustainable energy production.