Millions of people are guilty of following a high-sugar diet without even being aware of what’s happening to them. For context, when we talk about “high-sugar diets”, we’re looking at added sugar - not the natural stuff found in fruits, vegetables, and various other things.
Added sugar is sugar that’s put into things - usually processed foods or sweet snacks - to give a touch more flavor. The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans say you shouldn’t consume more than 10% of your total calories daily from added sugar. If you eat 2500 calories, a maximum of 200 calories should be added sugar.
Why is this such a big thing to keep an eye on? Countless studies have looked at the effects of a high-sugar diet and they’ve all come to the same conclusion; it’s terrible for your health. We could list dozens of reasons to avoid this type of diet, but here are the three biggest health concerns:
Long-Term Complications For Your Oral Health
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a diet consisting of sugars will be awful for your oral health. Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay in adults and children, leading to long-term dental problems.
You’ll have cavities that need fillings, and the sugar can also contribute to gum disease. When this happens, your gums recede and leave your teeth with very little support, so they can fall out. Once one tooth falls out, the others close by are likely to follow.
You’ll be left with a mouth full of gaps unless you get dental implants to fill everything in. Carry on eating a high-sugar diet and all your teeth will fall out. Not to mention you’ll spend a fortune in life on dental treatment!
A Greater Risk Of Weight Gain & Obesity
Did you know that sugar is one of the most calorific foods out there? 5g of sugar contains around 20 calories. A pack of candy is going to contain hundreds of calories - and do you know what the worst part is? These calories are “empty”.
We call them “empty calories” because you gain nothing else from consuming them. There are plenty of calories in some sources of protein - like nuts - but at least you gain protein and fiber from eating them. There are no nutritional benefits to consuming added sugar, and it will make you gain a lot of weight.
One study looked at the high-sugar diet and found it delivered a much higher risk of obesity when compared to a “normal” diet.
More Likely To Develop Heart Problems
The same study also concluded that high-sugar diets led to an increased chance of cardiovascular disease. Added sugar is known to raise blood pressure, which is a direct cause of many heart problems.
Reducing your sugar intake will help you avoid cardiovascular issues - as long as you combine this with other healthy practices, like a regular fitness routine and a balanced diet.
Keep in mind that we’re talking about added sugars here! Don’t be scared if you’re eating some products and see they have a high sugar count on the label. Check if this is natural or added sugar - natural sugars are necessary to give us energy, so you shouldn’t worry about them too much.