Does Cutting Down On Sugar Really Help?
We keep hearing that sugar is bad. So much is written on this subject, but “does cutting down on sugar really help?”
Well, first, let's define sugar and what it does to our bodies.
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate. They, like all carbohydrates, supply energy to our bodies. Carbohydrates are broken down by our bodies into simple sugars like glucose, which our bodies can easily use to boost us with the energy to carry out daily activities.
Then why limit sugar when it is beneficial to us?
The crux of the problem is, “Overconsumption!”
As mentioned earlier, carbohydrates are broken down by our bodies into many types of sugars, the most common of which is glucose. This contains all carbohydrate content, including rice, roti, bread, vegetables, and fruits.
Furthermore, all of the 'added sugar' that we consume from packaged and processed food goods simply increases our sugar consumption. As a result, we consume far more sugar than is necessary without ever knowing it. This is when the real issues begin: type 2 diabetes, cholesterol issues, inflammation, and a slew of other lifestyle diseases. All of these can be traced back to excessive sugar consumption in some form.
What happens when you cut down on your consumption of sugar?
Sugar and fat are the only two sources of energy for the human body. When you reduce your sugar intake, your body begins to use its fat stores. Given this, the first change you'll experience is weight loss—but not just weight, but more crucially, fat loss. Most of the alteration is visible on your face and the midsection. Many people notice a decrease in facial puffiness; your jawline will start to seem more chiseled.
You'll start feeling more energetic as well as more active. In actuality, the fat that your body uses as a fuel offers more energy per gram than sugar. Thus, you will have consistent energy levels throughout the day.
Apart from weight loss, a host of changes happen internally that may not be visible. A popular misunderstanding is that cholesterol problems are only caused by consuming fat; however, eating too much sugar can also affect your cholesterol levels. As a result, reducing your sugar intake will result in a good change in your cholesterol levels. Many people will see their cholesterol levels drop, which is a positive thing.
Sugar reduction is good for your kidneys, liver, arteries, brain, and even your eyes. Many of your body's issues, stiffness, and aches will be gone. This is due to the fact that sugar has been shown to clog arteries and restrict oxygen flow to other parts of the body, therefore limiting sugar consumption decreases inflammation.
The advantages extend not just to the body but also to the mind. Your memory, attentiveness, and concentration improve, as does your cognitive function.
Cutting down on sugar has far-reaching benefits that we could never have imagined. Both your eating and sleeping habits go through a shift, which will majorly benefit you.
Cravings will decrease, and you will feel less hungry frequently. Also, if you experience frequent urine at night, you will notice that the frequency decreases, allowing you to sleep more soundly.
So if you haven’t already, try doing a 21-day sugar detox and feel these changes for yourself. Also, limiting your sugar intake in the long term will prevent many lifestyle diseases and keep you healthy.
