Is Quitting Sugar Completely A Healthy Option?

Regular consumption of sugar is said to have many repercussions; it may cause diabetes, obesity and other health issues.

Updated: May 25, 2018 17:25 IST

Highlights

• Sugar may cause diabetes, obesity and other health issues
• White sugar is the most toxic food for the body
• Natural Sugar helps to maintain blood sugar level

Regular consumption of sugar is said to have many repercussions; it may cause diabetes, obesity and other health issues. When you tend to consume excessive sugar, it may affect your liver, increase uric acid levels, causes metabolic dysfunction and trap you into this vicious cycle of craving and bingeing on sweets. While eating excessive sugar can be dangerous, quitting it completely can be equally harmful; we are not talking about white refined sugar, but natural sugars. Let's find out if quitting sugar completely is a good option.

(Also Read-Is Brown Sugar Better than White Sugar? You Will be Surprised!)

Sugar Addiction

What does excessive sugar consumption do to your body?

Refined sugar or the sugar present in processed foods is the worst ingredients in the modern diet.

Here's what it may do to your body:

• Sugar contains no essential nutrients and is said to be bad for your teeth. Basically, you care adding empty calories.
• Sugar causes tooth decay by feeding the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Added sugar is high in fructose, which can overload your liver. In some cases, it may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Sugar can also cause insulin-resistance, which can further lead to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
• Sugar is highly addictive; it may cause massive dopamine release in the brain.
• Sugar is one of the leading contributors to obesity, both in children and adults.

Is quitting sugar a healthy option?

According to Macrobiotic Coach and Nutritionist Shilpa Arora, "no-one really needs white sugar; it's the most toxic food for the body. Sugar should be consumed in organic natural food items. Nature's sweetness comes with a host of antioxidants and powerful nutrients. Go for seasonal fruits like mangoes, cherries, strawberries, plums, apples and pomegranate. These naturally sweet fruits are anti-inflammatory and do not affect your blood sugar levels; thanks to the presence of fibre and water. Pick dried fruits like raisins, dates and apricots. These are the sugars our body is designed to metabolise unlike synthetic processed sugar."

(Also Read-Why It Is Healthier to Eat Raisins Soaked in Water)

Natural sweet with an antioxidants and powerful nutrients

It is best to avoid refined sugar and added sugar. Natural sugars are found in fruits as fructose and in dairy products like milk and cheese as lactose. In fact, natural sugars lactose and fructose have protein and fibre to contribute to the body. These nutrients help stabilise blood sugar levels that prevent you from feeling hungry.

If you are planning to quit sugar, make sure you give up on refined and added sugar or consume them in moderate quantity. You can load up on natural sugars in the form of fruits and dairy products to ensure a healthy body.

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