Sugar is KILLING YOU and here's why!

Sugar is another name for sucrose. Its chemical structure contains just two molecules: one molecule of glucose bound to one molecule of fructose.

Sugar is one type of carbohydrate and is used as an energy source in the body. Naturally it is found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Other natural sugars include:

- Fructose

- Galactose

- Glucose

- Lactose

- Maltose

The human body relies on sugar for energy. When we consume carbohydrates, the body metabolizes much of it into glucose for cellular fuel. Eliminating natural sources of sugar and other carbohydrates from your diet isn't recommended.

Distinguishing between added sugar and sugar derived from natural foods is crucial. Many people, particularly in the US, consume excessive amounts of added sugar from processed foods, offering little to no nutritional value. This overconsumption can lead to various health issues:

- High blood sugar

- Insulin resistance

- Metabolic syndrome

- Dental problems like cavities

- Elevated blood fat levels

- Obesity

- Type 2 diabetes.

 Long-term excessive sugar intake is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, as well as breast, colon, and various cancers. And increases the likelihood of heart disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

 Added sugar is a reason why more than 40% of Americans are obese, and 30 million have type 2 diabetes according to Forbes.

Presently, the average American consumes the equivalent of 22 sugar cubes every 24 hours. The addictive nature of sugar makes it challenging for many to reduce their intake.

Our ancestors, in contrast, had significantly lower sugar consumption - approximately 20 teaspoons per year. However, the brain responds powerfully to sweetness, causing a rush of dopamine. Repeated sugar intake can lead to desensitization in the brain, requiring more sugar to achieve the same pleasurable effect—resembling patterns seen in drug addiction.

What once sustained early humans as hunters and gatherers now poses a threat to many lives.

Additionally, a study suggests that sugary cookies might trigger addictive responses comparable to cocaine or morphine.

It’s important to understand the negative effects of sugar, how our brain works when we consume it and the negative effect that it can have on your fitness goals.

The body prioritizes glucose over ketones or fat as an energy source. If weight loss is the aim, focusing on eliminating added sugar, particularly from processed foods, is essential.