Sugar Is a Crystalline Carbohydrate That Adds Calories

Glucose, fructose and lactose are sugars that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, many packaged foods contain added or refined sugars to enhance flavor. These processed sugars have been cited as a major contributor to many health conditions. Please be aware; the sugar added to packaged foods and sugary drinks is much worse than natural sugars found in whole foods.

Excess sugar intake has been associated with certain cancers, tooth decay, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and much more. No sugar added doesn't mean that a food is healthy. For example, a fruit drink with no added sugars may have naturally occurring sugars that are more concentrated than what you would consume eating a piece of the fruit.

• Better Brain Function - If you have a pounding headache in the afternoons and want to curl up for nap, there is a good chance the added sugars and/or lack of whole foods in your diet are causing your body to bounce from a sugary high to a lethargic low.
• Clearer Complexion - Population studies in rural communities where people consume traditional, non-processed foods show almost non-existent rates of acne when compared to more urban environments and high-income areas.
• Fewer Mood Swings - Although a mood swing can cause a food craving, consuming sugar does not make you happy. In fact, higher amounts of sugar intake can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
• Lose Belly Weight - A consistent dietary intake of added sugars has been directly linked to the accumulation of belly fat and increased waist circumference. Both are considered independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Although sugar consumption can create a spark of energy from a short-term high, sugar addiction is a special risk for people suffering with depression, anxiety, stress or compulsive behaviors. A recent study suggested, since sugar is intensely pleasurable, it may be necessary for us to see it as a cardinal sin by adding moral judgment and remembering it is totally lacking in nutritional value.

Consuming too much added sugar in foods can have numerous negative effects on your health and well-being. An excess of sugary drinks and processed foods can lead to weight gain, higher blood glucose levels, and an increased risk for heart disease as well as other chronic health conditions. Moreover, there is much less fiber, which results in empty calories and minimal nutritional value.