Sugar harms the body and accelerates aging like nothing else. For those who desire to take care of their health and maintain health and energy while warding off the aging process, eliminating sugar from your diet can make a huge impact. Here is what you need to know about sugar and why you should strive to eat less of it.
Hidden Sugar is Everywhere
Many foods, drinks, and condiments can be okay in moderation for some people. The problem with sugar is that there is just so much of it in everything we drink and eat. It is added to bread, cereals, fruit juice, soups, cured meats, deli meats, and condiments. Sodas, sweetened teas, and fruit juices can have three times the daily recommended amount and more. Many people add it to coffee or tea (among other things) and may indulge in an occasional dessert. This only adds to the daily sugar they most likely didn’t realize they had already consumed.
Americans Eat a HUGE Amount of Sugar
The average American adult consumes more than three times the recommended limit for sugar intake. Sugar consumption in the United States (and worldwide) has been on the rise in the past decade. Between 2021 and 2022, Americans consumed about 11.3 million metric tons of sugar, up from about 10 million metric tons in 2010. The average American consumes almost 152 pounds (almost 70kg) of sugar in one year. This is equal to 3 pounds (or 6 cups) of sugar consumed every week.
Risks of High Sugar Consumption
Consuming high amounts of sugar increases your risk of dying from heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), one 15-year study found that those who got just 17% of their caloric intake from sugar had a 38% increased risk of dying from heart disease.
Added sugar is also responsible for high obesity rates. That’s because sugar is addictive and makes you crave more. In fact, it follows the same additive neuropathways that cocaine does. Along with obesity, it greatly increases your risk for diabetes and cancer. As we get older, we should aim to lower our risk factors, and learning to live without sugar is one of the best things you can do for your body.
Tips to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Reducing your sugar intake is an important step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can greatly reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Start by keeping track of your sugar intake. You might be shocked at how much more you’re consuming than you thought.
Read labels for hidden sugars, or avoid processed foods altogether. Exchange dessert for a small piece of low-carb fruit or make after-dinner herbal tea a habit. If you need a sweetener, use Stevia or honey as an occasional sweetener.
Practice abstinence from all sugars to help your body detox them. You might experience withdrawal effects like depression and headaches, so talk to your doctor if necessary. Keep in mind that this, too, shall pass.
Learn About Other Dietary Strategies for Your Health
If you’re looking for other dietary strategies to protect your health, check out the Age Defying Video Program. This program is designed to help you look and feel your best.
