What Does Sugar Do To Your Body? 10 Proven Negative Effects of Sugar

Summary

This video explores the negative effects of sugar on the body, highlighting 10 major impacts such as increased aging, acne, and an elevated risk of diabetes and certain cancers. It also explains how sugar contributes to weight gain by disrupting hormones like leptin and promoting belly fat. Despite these risks, sugar's addictive nature makes it hard to stop. The video contrasts refined sugar with fruit sugar, advising moderation, especially for weight loss. Lastly, it mentions a future guide on breaking sugar addiction and provides a link to a video on effective weight loss strategies.

Takeaways

• 😀 High blood sugar can cause wrinkles and make you look older, with a 1 mm/liter increase in blood sugar making you look about 5 months older.
• 😀 Sugar is linked to acne, with high glycemic index foods, including sugar, contributing to acne outbreaks on the face and body.
• 😀 Drinking sugary beverages increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 83%, according to a study of over 91,000 women.
• 😀 Excess sugar intake raises the risk of developing certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer, due to the role of insulin in cell growth.
• 😀 Sugar destroys healthy bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth erosion and potential long-term damage to your teeth.
• 😀 Sugar is considered empty calories, offering no nutritional value, vitamins, or minerals, and can contribute to weight gain.
• 😀 Sugar can make you feel hungrier by disrupting your hormones, leading to an increased desire for more food, according to a Yale study.
• 😀 Sugar blocks leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, and raises insulin to high levels, making it harder for the body to burn fat.
• 😀 Consuming sugar is linked to the accumulation of belly fat, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
• 😀 Sugar is addictive, releasing dopamine in the brain similarly to drugs like cocaine, making it hard to stop eating it despite its negative effects.

Q & A

What impact does sugar have on the appearance of your skin?

Sugar can contribute to wrinkles and aging of the skin. A study found that people with higher blood sugar levels appeared older than those with lower levels, with every 1mm/liter increase in blood sugar making a person look five months older.

Is there a connection between sugar and acne?

Yes, sugar and foods with a high glycemic index, such as refined carbs, have been linked to increased acne. A study involving Australian men showed that a low glycemic diet led to a significant reduction in acne.

How do sugary drinks affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Sugary drinks greatly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In a study of 91,000 women, those who consumed one sugar-sweetened beverage per day had an 83% higher risk of developing the condition compared to those who had one per month.

Can sugar intake increase the risk of certain cancers?

Yes, there is a direct link between sugar consumption and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. This is thought to be due to insulin's role in cell growth, which is spiked by high sugar levels.

What effect does sugar have on your teeth?

Sugar can damage your teeth by destroying healthy bacteria in the mouth, which leads to tooth erosion and other dental issues, as shown in research published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

How does sugar contribute to weight gain?

Sugar can lead to weight gain in several ways. First, it is an empty calorie source with no nutrients, and it also increases hunger by interfering with hormonal balance, leading to increased calorie consumption.

Why is sugar considered an empty calorie?

Sugar is considered an empty calorie because it provides no nutritional value—no vitamins, minerals, proteins, or fiber—yet it adds significant calories to your diet, leading to potential weight gain and other health issues.

How does sugar affect hunger and appetite?

Sugar disrupts the hormonal levels in the body, particularly by blocking leptin, the hormone that tells your brain when you’re full. This leads to increased hunger and a desire to consume more sugar and calories.

What role does insulin play in the body, and how does sugar affect it?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar and helps cells absorb glucose for energy. High sugar consumption spikes insulin levels, which can prevent the body from burning stored fat, contributing to weight gain.

Is sugar addictive like drugs?

Yes, sugar is addictive in a way similar to certain drugs. It triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which creates a pleasurable sensation. Over time, this can lead to behavioral addiction, making it hard to stop eating sugar.

Is fruit sugar harmful for weight loss?

Fruit sugar, despite being natural, can still impact weight loss if consumed in large quantities, especially in processed forms like smoothies. However, whole fruits like apples, oranges, and berries are much healthier options for weight loss due to their fiber content and lower glycemic index.

What can you do if you have trouble stopping sugar consumption?

Breaking sugar addiction is a crucial step in weight loss. If you're struggling to quit, it’s important to understand the science behind sugar addiction, and seeking professional help or following structured plans can aid in managing cravings.