The not so Sweet Side to Sugar!
Sugar is everywhere!
I am a firm believer in that sugar is the cause behind most chronic illnesses. Before I go any further, I want to clarify that sugar in the form of fruit in its whole form does not count in the sugar I am discussing today. Overall sugar is the silent, sweet killer of Americans. It not only causes major health problems, but also disrupts your gut and your mental health. If I could eliminate one thing from your everyday diet it would be Sugar.
When I work with my clients, we gradually ease them away from sugar and their bodies instantly start to thank them. That’s not to say you can’t have sugar as a treat here and there, but it is important that you do not exceed 25 grams a day.
Did you know that American Heart Association recommends to not consume any more than 25 grams of sugar a day, that is 6 teaspoons. The average yogurt has between 20-30 grams of sugar, so with one yogurt snack you have already hit your sugar limit.
Three Reasons to limit sugar
- In a study published in 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Hu and his colleagues found an association between a high-sugar diet and a greater risk of dying from heart disease. Over the course of the 15-year study, people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar. (Harvard)
“Basically, the higher the intake of added sugar, the higher the risk for heart disease,” says Dr. Hu. (Harvard)
- Consuming too much added sugar, especially from sugary beverages, increases your risk of weight gain and can lead to visceral fat accumulation. (healthline)
- A high-sugar diet may lead to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for diabetes. (healthline)
I encourage you to start today and see how much sugar you and your family are consuming daily and then see where you can start making adjustments.
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