We know it’s harmful but just how so?
1 can of Coca-Cola has more than 3x daily maximum.
Excess sugar in the body has negative effect on cognition and concentration, leading to long-term neurological defects if not addressed. Prolonged rise in blood sugar levels contribute to dementia and Alzheimers.
Sugar is converted to fatty acid and deposited wherever possible, leading to weight gain and (over the long-term) diabetes (from insulin resistance). It encourages certain bacterias to grow, especially on tooth enamel leading to rot. It contributes to cardiovascular disease even if you don’t gain weight. Sugar can do as much harm to the liver as alcohol.
Coming off of sugar can cause withdrawal symptoms: headache, stomach ache, bowel problems, lethargy. The more you eat the more you crave. It makes your brain release dopamine. This can increase overall bingeing and craving behaviours (of other substances, too). Saturated fats and refined sugars interfere with your brain’s ability to know you’re full encouraging overeating.
Your taste receptors may be primed by too much sugar, making it difficult to taste the natural sweetness of fruits.
Sugar damages collagen (affecting hair, skin, nails). Excess sugar stimulate glycation which increases affects of aging. Spikes in insulin from sugar correlate to skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Sugar is an inflammatory and prolonged exposure to high levels correlate with depression.
Natural sugar is metabolised differently than processed sugar. A banana’s sugar, for example, comes from carbs and contains other nutrients that reduce inflammation.