The Effects of Sugar on Your Body

Before you consume that candy bar, consider the negative effects of eating too much sugar.

By Taylor Hugo

The Effects of Sugar on Your Body

Before you consume that candy bar, consider the negative effects of eating too much sugar.

By Taylor Hugo

 

You know sugar can be found in your favorite candy bars, fruit juices, cereals and baked goods, but the sweetener often sneaks its way into less-obvious foods and beverages deemed “healthy.” Think: yogurt, marinara sauce, peanut butter, granola, instant oatmeal and salad dressings.   

The result is way too much sugar in American diets. According to the American Heart Association, women should have no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, and men no more than nine (this applies to added sugar only—not the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy). In reality, that number is closer to 77 grams per day for adults, or 18 teaspoons.

Unfortunately, the effects of sugar aren’t as sweet as the taste: While a little bit of sugar here and there isn’t a problem, the continued overconsumption of sugar wreaks havoc on your body, leading to a host of negative, long-lasting effects.

 
 

Sugar causes your body to crash.

Those who rely on sugar for an energy burst should consider other ways to chase that “buzz.” One option is Bang Energy drinks, a line of sports beverages that are sugar-free. “Sugar can certainly act as a stimulant, but it’s very short-term,” explains Joseph Nickell, the head of U.S. grocery for Bang Energy. “Once it leaves your blood levels, you have that crash effect,” including hunger, irritability, fatigue, headaches, shakiness and dizziness.

 

tired woman

Sugar is hard on the waistline.

Perhaps the most tangible effect of eating too much sugar is weight gain. Added sugars offer no nutritional value and don’t offset hunger for long, leading you to consume more calories throughout the day. Plus, sugar is addictive, always leaving your body craving more.

tired woman

Sugar is hard on the waistline.

Perhaps the most tangible effect of eating too much sugar is weight gain. Added sugars offer no nutritional value and don’t offset hunger for long, leading you to consume more calories throughout the day. Plus, sugar is addictive, always leaving your body craving more.

 

Sugar can (indirectly) lead to life-threatening diseases.

The weight gain associated with eating too much sugar makes you more vulnerable to developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cognitive decline and certain cancers.

 

Sugar is bad for your heart.

The higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease, says a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research shows that people who got 17 to 21 percent of their calories from added sugar had a 38 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease, compared to those who got 8 percent of their calories from added sugar. This is likely because of the direct correlation between sugar and high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

Sugar is bad for your heart.

The higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease, says a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research shows that people who got 17 to 21 percent of their calories from added sugar had a 38 percent higher risk of dying from heart disease, compared to those who got 8 percent of their calories from added sugar. This is likely because of the direct correlation between sugar and high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

 

Learn more about the benenfits of energy drinks

 
 

The Importance of Exercise

The Importance of Exercise

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

5 Health Benefits of Caffeine for Active Types

5 Health Benefits of Caffeine for Active Types

 
 

Look for Bang Energy in the sports drink aisle at your local Kroger store

*Tip: Find the aisle number above the purchase options when shopping online!

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