Unburned Calories Are Stored As Fat Deposits

Most people will never have to worry about consuming too much natural sugars from fruits, veggies and dairy products. Whole foods contain fiber, vitamins and minerals and tend to fill you up unlike simple carbohydrates. Unfortunately, added sugars furnish you with no additional nutritional value. To avoid a nap-inducing sugar crash, do everything you can to keep your blood glucose stable.

The calories the body doesn't use for energy are stored as fat deposits. Any excess of sweetened foods and beverages can cause weight gain, blood glucose problems, an increased risk for heart disease and other dangerous metabolic conditions. This is easily maintained by following a diet based on whole foods with water being your drink of choice.

• Shed Unwanted Pounds - If you replace added sugar with nourishing whole foods, your brain will regulate ghrelin and leptin hormone release to let you know when you've eaten enough.
• Fewer Colds or Flu - When your energy levels fluctuate because of consuming added sugars, your immune system is weakened. This can cause you to catch every bug, cold, or flu virus that goes around.
• Lower Risk of Diabetes - A population study comprising over 175 countries found that the risk of developing diabetes grew by 1.1% for every 150 calories of sugar, or about one can of soda, consumed per day.
• Longer Lifespan - Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease have been linked to excessive sugar consumption, which increases unhealthy blood fats in the blood called triglycerides. These increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Consumption of added sugars should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. Nonetheless, sugar is found in many foods, such as pastries or Asian sauces, and it is almost impossible to avoid. Known as sugar addiction, an emotional or psychological dependence on sugary drinks or sugar-laden foods is a real cause for concern as the body struggles to metabolize glucose.

If you are overweight or obese, you should avoid consuming added sugars as much as possible. Stick to single ingredient foods, and avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and refine carbohydrates, such as sodas and baked goods. Use sweeteners conservatively as they can become addictive and play tricks on your brain and body when over consumed.