Two in your coffee, a bit on your cereal, and icing your cake. Sugar is a treat. It adds a little sweetness and can totally change the taste of foods and drinks. But what else does it do for you? Ever dared to Google, “What are the health benefits of eating sugar?” No? Well, we did.
Health Benefits of Sugar(…)
So, basically, the health benefits of sugar are tangential at best. Sugar can provide an immediate release of energy, which is useful for…..elite athletes. The vast majority of us will not benefit from consuming sugar for energy. Plus, the crash from sugar can leave you sluggish and fatigued beyond how you felt before consumption.
Sugar can also artificially improve mood for a short period, but, again, the ensuing crash could leave you in a worse mood than you were in, to begin with. A better alternative way to improve mood is exercise. Physical activity releases dopamine, which promotes a positive mood.
Dark Side of Sugar
The caloric density of sugar is high due to its lack of nutrient content. Each teaspoon of sugar contains 20 calories. The problem is that these are 20 empty calories that offer nothing. This means that they’re 20 calories you’re using up of your daily allowance that provides nothing in ways of benefitting your health. As these 20 calories are not satiating, you’re probably also likely to eat another 20 calories to make up for them. This will then be stored as fat.
Sugar is also problematic in that it often goes under the radar as an ingredient. On a label, it appears under carbohydrates (as sugar) sugar is a carbohydrate. Still, it is a simple carbohydrate, which means that it is metabolized quickly and will be stored as fat if not burned immediately. So if you combine a lack of physical activity with increased sugar consumption, you will store it as fat.
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Sugar Allergy
So, for most of us, reduced sugar consumption is vital for good health. But for people with a sugar allergy, consumption of sugar can be FATAL. Symptoms of sugar allergy include hives, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Some people may experience a severe reaction to their sugar allergy; anaphylaxis. This condition can
cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and swelling of the throat. The swelling can be so severe that it prevents you from being able to breathe. In the wrong circumstances, this is fatal. You can identify a sugar allergy with an allergy test.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that sugar is tasty. Incredibly so. But there is also no denying that overconsumption can have severe adverse side effects. Eating sugar in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, but avoid sugars where possible.
