Committing to cutting out sugar or sweets due to diet or health issues is easier said than done. Sugar is highly addictive and has numerous negative effects, such as impacting mood and accelerating skin aging.
Today, let’s explore what happens to our bodies when we quit sugar!
1. Better Cardiovascular Health
According to James DiNicolantonio, a pharmacist at the Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute, reducing sugar intake can cut the risk of death from heart disease by one-third.
2. Clearer Skin
Inflammation in the body is a major cause of acne and other skin issues. Sugar is a primary trigger for inflammation. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a 350ml (12 oz) soda daily for three weeks increased inflammation levels by 87% compared to those who didn’t. Reducing soda intake can help you save money on expensive skincare treatments!
3. Decrease in Diabetes Risk
Excessive sugar consumption leads to fat accumulation around the liver, causing insulin resistance and hindering insulin secretion from the pancreas. A study of sugar consumption in 175 countries revealed that consuming more than 150 calories from sugar daily increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11 times!
4. Better Mood
We often reach for sweets when we feel down, believing that we lack sugar. While sugar does temporarily boost our mood, avoiding it leads to long-term emotional stability. According to Columbia University research, women who consume high amounts of sugar and refined carbs experience more anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
5. Better Sleep Quality
A renowned doctor explains that consuming sugar releases cortisol, which disrupts sleep. Sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar can cause daytime fatigue and restless nights. Quitting sugar can make you more energetic during the day and help you sleep deeply at night.
6. Enhanced Brain Function
A UCLA animal study concluded that high sugar intake impairs memory. Long-term sugar consumption can block communication pathways in brain cells, hindering cognitive functions.
7. Weight Loss
Eliminating sugar means you’ll consume fewer calories overall, even if you replace sugar with other foods. Quitting a habit of consuming 200 calories from sugar daily can help you lose over 11 lbs in 5-6 months. Cutting sugar also lowers insulin levels, reducing blood pressure and heart rate. Within weeks of quitting sugar, cholesterol levels can drop by over 10%, and triglyceride levels will significantly decrease.
So what do you say, sugar? Are you going to quit?
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