Why Refined Sugar Is Damaging

Refined sugar can be found in almost everything, from your morning bowl of cereal to that salad dressing you bought to eat healthier. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee cites sugar as one of the biggest concerns in the American diet. Additionally, the American Heart Associationrecommends that adult women eat no more than 100 calories of refined sugar per day, and men no more than 150 calories.

Our diet tends to include much more sugar per day than is necessarily healthy, with men eating around 335 calories of sugar and women eating 230 calories. Beyond keeping your weight down, there are plenty of reasons to slash the sugar content of your meals and opt for more proteins, fats, and carbs instead.

Lower blood pressure and cholesterol

Even if you are a healthy weight, too much sugar in your diet can raise your blood pressure and put a strain on your heart and circulatory system, leading to coronary disease, heart attacks, stroke, kidney damage, artery disease, and other serious conditions.

However, if you can’t control your craving for sugar, there is one astounding andhealthy alternative you could try – detoxifying juices. Because juices are made of fruit, which naturally contain fructose, they have a refreshing and sweet taste that will make your taste buds fall in love with the flavor in no time. And the best part is, you won’t have to feel guilty because natural juices are extremely good for you, as they contain all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

A sharper mind

Eating too much refined sugar has been shown to impair cognitive function by reducing proteins that are necessary for memory and responsiveness.Cutting back on your sugar intake can help you to focus better on a day-to-day basis, and in the long-term, it will reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia. A diet lower in sugar may also help to combat depression.

Younger looking skin

A high-sugar diet may do more than just pack on the pounds. Refined sugar can also affect your skin, damaging the collagen and elastin that makes it look young and vibrant. Too much sugar can lead to dull, dry skin and premature wrinkles. It also reduced the effectiveness of antioxidants in the skin, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage.

A lower risk of diabetes

Studies have shown that drinking two or more sugary sodas each day can increase your risk of developing Type II diabetes by as much as 26%. Thus, to avoid health complications, make sure to stay away from refined sugar as much as possible, and if you absolutely need something sweet, get your juicer out and make a refreshing healthy treat.