Six Not So Sweet Side Effects of Sugar on Your Body

Sugar  . . . We all know it tastes good and that everything from candy and baked goods to beverages and pre-packaged foods are loaded with the stuff. And while most of us know it’s bad for us in excess, you’re probably unaware of just all the harm the white stuff can actually do to your body.

Americans average about 270 calories of sugar each day. That’s about 17 teaspoons a day, way above the recommended limit of 12 teaspoons or 200 calories.

Sugar can mess with your health from head to toe in ways that may surprise you and spur you to kick the sweet stuff to the curb for good.

Sugar Impairs the Brain

Too much sugar can impair your cognitive skills, making it harder to learn and remember, and weakens self-control. Just a small amount of sugar can stimulate cravings for more, producing addiction-like effects in the human brain.

Sugar Ages the Skin

Consuming sugar in excess can stifle the repair of collagen, the protein that keeps your skin looking full and plump. Diets high in sugar can result in reduced elasticity and premature wrinkles.

Excess Sugar Is Stored as Fat

Sugar consumption is thought to be a leading cause of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, as well as high cholesterol and inflammation since it promotes fat accumulation in the liver. It could also lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver inflammation and insulin resistance in both adults and kids.

Sugar Damages Your Cells

Since fructose accelerates the oxidation process in our cells, proteins, tissues and organs can become damaged. This raises the risk for health conditions like liver disease, kidney failure and cataracts.

Sugar Causes Acne

Sugar is ranked high on the Glycemic Index, a factor associated with greater amounts of acne on the face and body.

Sugar Is Bad for Your Teeth

Healthy bacteria in your mouth are destroyed by sugar, which in turn, wreaks havoc on tooth enamel. The result can be a mouthful of cavities.

The good news is that there is an alternative for sugar that doesn’t cause these unhealthy side effects and tastes just as sweet: stevia! The next time you get a craving for something sweet, reach for Stevita Stevia products instead.