The influence of sugar on the body
The influence of sugar on the body
The influence of sugar on the body
sugar is omnipresent in our modern nutrition. Whether as a table sugar, in lemonades, pastries or hidden in finished products - we consume sugar in large quantities. But how does the excessive consumption of sugar affect our body? In this article we will deal with the influence of sugar on the body and illuminate the various effects on health.
The effect of sugar in the body
The breakdown of sugar
As soon as we take sugar, our body begins with the breakdown of the carbohydrate. The digestive enzymes in the mouth and stomach split the sugar into its components, especially in glucose and fructose. These then get into the blood and are either used directly as energy or stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen stores.
insulin release
The supply of sugar into the body leads to the release of the hormone insulin through the pancreas. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels by signaling the body to transport the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used as an energy source. Insulin also helps to keep blood sugar levels at a healthy level.
Health effects of sugar
weight gain and obesity
A high consumption of sugar -containing foods and drinks can lead to weight gain. Sugar contains many empty calories that do not saturate the body, but can still lead to a positive energy balance. Excess calories are stored as fat, which can lead to overweight and obesity in the long term. Obesity is a risk factor for a variety of health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases and certain types of cancer.
diabetes
The excessive consumption of sugar can increase the risk of developing diabetes. In particular, the consumption of sugar-containing drinks, such as lemonades and fruit juices, is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This is partly due to the fact that these drinks can quickly increase the blood sugar level and overwhelm the body with a large amount of carbohydrates.
heart diseases
A high sugar intake can also increase the risk of heart diseases. High sugar consumption can lead to an inflammatory reaction in the body that damages the arteries and favors the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. A reduction in sugar consumption can therefore help to reduce the risk of heart diseases.
dental problems
sugar can also have negative effects on dental health. When we consume sugar -containing food and drinks, acids form on our teeth that can attack the enamel and lead to caries. Good dental care and limited sugar intake are therefore important to maintain the health of our teeth.
tips for moderate sugar consumption
Avoid sugar -containing drinks
One of the simplest ways to reduce sugar consumption is to avoid sugar -containing drinks such as lemonades, fruit juices and energy drinks. These often contain large amounts of sugar, without any significant nutritional value.
Pay attention to hidden sugar in food
Many processed foods contain hidden sugar. Pay attention to the list of ingredients and search for terms such as "fructose", "glucose syrup", "corn syrup" or the like. A conscious selection of unprocessed food helps to reduce sugar consumption.
integrate healthy alternatives into your diet
If you feel like something sweet, use natural alternatives such as fruit or dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. These contain less sugar than conventional sweets and also provide valuable nutrients.
FAZIT
sugar has a major impact on our body, especially when it is consumed in large quantities. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with weight gain, an increased risk of diabetes and heart diseases as well as dental problems. It is important to consciously deal with the consumption of sugar and enjoy it in moderation. A balanced diet with less sugary products and more unprocessed foods is crucial for maintaining good health.
More about natural and healthy nutrition can be found in our advisory magazine ein-heilpraktiker.com