We’re all dipped in honey and rolled in sprinkles. The average person shovels in 300 calories from added sugar every day. Yes, sugar is delicious and tempting and even comforting. But it’s also deadly for your health, your waistline, and your mind. Not only does it cause the obvious problems like tooth decay, but sugar is also linked to impaired brain function, depression and anxiety, cancer and heart disease. Here are the top benefits of quitting sugar-
LOSE WEIGHT
High levels of fructose in particular makes you far more likely to overeat. However, this isn’t the only reason that sugar causes weight-gain. Because sugar stresses the pancreas by forcing it to produce elevated levels of insulin, other hormones are neglected such as those which regulate weight, stress, digestion, and metabolism. When you quit sugar, you ultimately do not store fat and metabolism goes on smoothly, thus maintaining a healthy weight.
SLEEP BETTER
The crash from a sugar high leaves you with mid-day sluggishness and an itching need for a nap. Also, added sugar triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which interferes with slumber. Give up added sugar, and you should be more awake and alert during the day, and also will sleep better during the night.
INCREASED ENERGY LEVEL
Sugar can lead to hyperactivity (blame the rapid rise of adrenaline). However, ironically, quitting sugar can actually give you more energy. Fuelling your body with sugar-free alternatives will ensure you have the strength and stamina to perform at your peak without any nasty post-sugar-hit slumps.
YOU SAVE MONEY
Quitting sugar has a very positive effect on your pocket. Since you have quit sugar, you won’t spend any spare change on sweet treats like doughnuts, pastries, cookies, chocolates etc. you ultimately will save a lot of money over time.
REDUCE RISK OF ILLINESS
It’s believed that conditions like asthma, allergies, heart disease and even cancer are actually caused by chronic inflammation in the body. A poor diet, rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates, is one of the main culprits behind inflammation in the body. Once you cut out the sugar and simple carbs and replace them with fruit, vegetables and complex carbohydrates you’ll decrease your body’s inflammatory responses and therefore reduce your risk of these illnesses.
HEALTHY AND HAPPY HEART
Added sugar chronically raises insulin levels, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Within a few weeks’ time (after quitting sugar), you might expect to see a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol and a 20 to 30% decrease in triglycerides. Also, your BP would head in the right direction!
FEEL GOOD
Sugar is believed to affect our mental health in two ways. Firstly, it suppresses activity of the important growth hormone BDNF. Sufferers of depression and schizophrenia are known to have critically low levels of BDNF levels in the brain. Secondly, it causes a chain of chemical reactions that promote chronic inflammation. After cutting out on sugar and white carbs for a few weeks you will see yourself feeling healthier and happier!