5 Negative Effects of Sugar

You have heard it time and time again - too much sugar is bad for you. What you may not know is why. Here are just 5 of the many reasons you should limit your intake of sugar:

1. Sugar promotes abdominal fat. Studies have shown that fructose sugar makes maturing human fat cells fatter and less sensitive to insulin. This means that children with high intakes of fructose (commonly used in processed foods) are at risk for bigger bellies, heart disease and diabetes.
2. Sugar blocks leptin. Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain when you have had enough food. With leptin's effects blocked, you are at greater risk for over-eating.
3. Sugar can damage the body just like alcohol. Some of the issues caused by both sugar and alcohol include hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin-resistance, malnutrition and liver dysfunction.
4. Sugar can drain your brain power. Studies have shown excessive sugar intake is linked to impaired cognitive function and deficiencies in memory.
5. Sugar decreases your immunity. Sugar temporarily makes your white blood cells less responsive. Stress and too little exercise also weaken the immune system. These three factors are very common in today's most prevelant lifestyles, and are ultimately leading to higher incidence of illness.

None of this is to suggest that you should replace sugar with with artificial sweeteners (which are, by and large, even worse for you than sugar). Just be aware of all of the hidden sources of sugar in your diet and make an effort to decrease your intake. Your body will thank you!