Sugar tastes great. Isn’t it? But do you know that excess consumption of sugar can have a very negative effect on your body and mind?
In this article, we are going to discuss the effect of excess sugar consumption on your body and healthy alternatives for sugar.
Eating too much sugar causes cellular aging, damages organs in the body and drains your energy.
It causes cellular aging and breaks down collagen in the skin, leading to premature aging.
When you consume sugar, it reacts with the protein of your body. Forming advanced glycation and products it damages collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping your skin firm and youthful looking.
It damages organs in your body
Too much sugar consumption can damage various organs in your body including your liver, kidneys, and arteries. It can also lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a condition when your body accumulates more fat. Then it can metabolize leading to liver damage. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to cardiovascular disease.
It drains your energy
Although sugar provides a quick burst of energy consuming too much of it can lead to energy crashes. When you eat sugary food, your blood sugar levels spike, causing your body to release insulin to regulate sugar. This can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar level leading to fatigue, lethargy, and decreased energy levels.
Eating sugar is like a drug that triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, making you addicted to that feel-good rush. But too much sugar can cause weight gain and mess with your metabolism, plus, the insulin release to deal with excess sugar can make you feel sluggish. Excess sugar consumption has hidden dangers that negatively impact your health to maintain good health. It is important to limit your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives Whenever possible.
Healthy alternatives for sugar
There are several natural sweeteners that can be used as an alternative to sugar.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener which is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties in a good amount. It is sweeter than sugar, so less needed and it can add a unique flavor to your foods.
Coconut Sugar
It is a natural sweetener that is derived from the sap of coconut palm. It is lower on the glycemic index than sugar, meaning it has less of an impact on blood sugar levels.
Fruits
Fruits such as bananas, dates, and apples can be used to add natural sweeteners to foods and drinks. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals and can be used easily.
Stevia
Stevia which is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia-removing plant. This is much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed. Stevia is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar.
Jaggery
Jaggery is unrefined and retains some of the nutrients found in the sugarcane juice, including iron, calcium, and potassium. It has also a lower glycemic index than sugar. It is important to note that while natural sweeteners are healthier than sugar that too in many ways a person should know that they should be consumed in moderation like sugar.
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