Why You’re Eating More Sugar Than You’re Supposed To
Although we know the consequences of diets high in sugar, many of us can’t help our sweet tooths from getting the best of us from time to time.
Nutritionists and dieticians often recognize this by emphasizing the latest research in sugar addiction as an attempt to raise awareness to this growing problem.
Most people would be shocked to know that many of the common processed foods that we enjoy, such as instant oatmeal, breakfast to-go bars, and bottled spaghetti sauces contain some of the highest amounts of sugar.
If fat loss is your priority, you should understand the consequences of consuming large amounts of sugar on a regular basis.
Side Effects of Too Much Sugar
Eating foods that contain high amounts of sugar can give you a very euphoric or relaxing feeling the more you consume it. This is because sugar triggers the production of opioids in your brain, creating a positive feedback loop that demands more sugar to be consumed.
While it can enjoyable to indulge on treats like powder cakes, custard, and candies, you should aware of what higher amounts of sugar can do in your bloodstream in the long term.
A recent study showed that blood sugar can raise lower density lipids (bad cholesterol) and lower high-density lipids (good cholesterol).
In addition, a Harvard study linked higher blood sugar levels to high blood pressure, which cause the liver to dump more fats into the bloodstream.
The Amount of Sugar You Should Have
As mentioned before, many people are unaware of how much daily sugar they consume from foods that are often found in supermarket or grocery aisles.
The average American currently consume about twice the daily recommended amount, with soft drinks and candy being the main culprits for our sugar addiction.
Sugar is still prevalent in a majority of foods and condiments we consume daily, however an adult male should have no more than 10 teaspoons (40g) per day. Females would stay within 8 teaspoons (32g) daily.
High sugar diets are not only a part of the growing obesity epidemic, but they’re horrible for our oral health. As you sip these drinks throughout the day, you increase exposure of your teeth to highly acidic liquids that can cause permanent dental damage.
The Wrap Up
Sugar is such a staple in Western diets, we’ve become unaware of how dangerous consuming high amounts can have on our long-term health. Processed foods should be avoided when possible, but you may need to take further precautions with your food choices. To prevent excessive fat gain on a diet, your best option is to choose fruits and nuts to quell your desire for unhealthy sugary snacks.