Negative Effects of Sugar

Processed food contains a lot of sugar, and regular consumption of such high levels of sugar is linked to many health issues.

• A diet high in processed foods and sugar products is associated with depression as the inflammation, blood sugar swings and neurotransmitter dysregulation have an impact on our mental health.

• A diet high in sugar can worsen wrinkles while it also speeds up the ageing process as it leads to the production of AGEs (Advanced glycation end products) that damage proteins like collagen and elastin which lead to skin sagging as the skin loses its firmness.

• Consuming sugar in high amounts leads to accelerated shortening of telomeres (protective caps of chromosomes) that results in faster ageing of cells.

• High sugar consumption has a negative effect on our energy as they cause a spike in our blood sugar, followed by a sharp drop (crash).

• When high amounts of added sugar (in the form of fructose) overloads the liver, it leads to NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) i.e. excessive fat builds up in the liver.

• Added sugar consumption is directly related to weight gain, obesity and visceral fat accumulation.

• High sugar intake leads to inflammation, blood pressure issues, obesity and high triglyceride levels that are all risk factors for heart-related issues.

• Intake of high sugar is linked to acne as foods high in refined carbs have a high glycemic index, and they raise our blood sugar very rapidly. This spike in our insulin levels and blood sugar levels causes increased oil production, inflammation and androgen secretion.

• Sugar consumption on a regular basis causes resistance to insulin which regulates the blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is linked to increased risk of diabetes as it raises our blood sugar levels.