Harmfulness of high sugar diets

HK BioTek Intern

There are many types of sugars and they are a type of carbohydrate that occurs in some foods and drinks. They are also an additive in certain foods and drinks. Consuming too much sugar can lead to health problems, such as increasing the risk of weight gain, diabetes, tooth cavities, and more.

Many healthy food products, such as dairy products, vegetables, and fruit, naturally contain sugars. The sugar in these foods gives them a sweeter taste.

It is important for people to include these foods in their diet, as they come with a range of other nutrients that provide valuable health benefits.

However, manufacturers tend to add sugar to foods such as cereals and cake and some drinks, (purposes?). It is these added sugars, which cause health problems.

Unlike foods and drinks that naturally contain sugar, those with added sugar provide no nutritional value. Consuming too much may cause health problems over time.

Adding it to foods and drinks significantly increases their calorie content without adding any nutritional benefit. The body usually digests these foods and drinks quickly. This means that they are not a good source of energy.

Products that naturally contain sugar are different. For example, fruits and dairy products contain natural sugars. The body digests these foods at a slower rate, making them a lasting source of energy and such products contain other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

A significant risk of consuming excess added sugar is weight gain. In most cases, sugary foods and drinks are high in calories. Even with regular exercise, consuming too many of these products will lead to weight gain, . As the body usually digests products containing added sugars more quickly, they do not offset hunger for very long. This may lead to eating more regularly throughout the day and a greater calorie intake overall.

Sugar consumption can cause tooth decay, which may lead to the development of cavities. After eating sugar, bacteria in the mouth form a thin layer of plaque over the teeth. These bacteria react with the sugars present in foods and drinks. This reaction triggers the release of an acid that damages teeth.

It is possible for the body to repair some of this damage itself. Over time, however, a diet high in sugar will cause lasting damage.

References:

• https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.640.4454&rep=rep1&type=pdf

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3198517/