Scientists at the University of California conducted a study and proved that reducing the consumption of foods high in sugar can extend life by 20 years. The results of the study were published by Circulation (16+).
Doctors urge people not to overindulge in sweets and call sugar “sweet death.” We tell you what health problems can be caused by excessive sugar consumption.
The effect of sugar on human health
Provokes excessive production of dopamine. Scientists compare sugar to a drug, since a sharp spike in glucose in the brain causes the need for an additional dose. The brain stops recognizing the real need for food, so people constantly want something sweet to drown out the feeling of hunger and quickly improve their mood.
If you constantly abuse sweets, the body stops producing endorphins on its own. Then irritability, mood swings, aggression and sleep problems appear, since the body does not have enough resources to produce the “happiness hormone”.
Negatively affects all body systems. Sugar provokes the leaching of B vitamins from the body, which disrupts the balance of phosphorus and calcium and causes problems with the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Sugar can also significantly reduce the body’s resistance to viral diseases, which is why it is called the “sweet death.”
Provokes inflammation. Excess sugar in the body provokes inflammatory processes that cause headaches, sleep problems, skin rashes and hair loss. To get rid of these problems, doctors recommend reducing its consumption.
Reduces energy levels. At first glance, it seems that a cake or candy can charge you with energy, but this effect is short-lived.
Helps you gain extra pounds. Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar leads to rapid weight gain and accumulation of fatty tissue in the abdominal area. And obesity can cause problems with the heart, blood vessels, liver and oncology.
Development of type II diabetes. Excessive sugar consumption leads to the development of type II diabetes. This is a serious illness that requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause damage to the nervous system and problems with the kidneys and vision.
Accelerates skin aging. Excess sugar can attach to proteins in the bloodstream, causing the formation of harmful AGE (Advanced Glycation End Products) molecules. And these molecules, in turn, destroy collagen and elastin, so the skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles appear.
Causes tooth decay. Sugar is also one of the main causes of tooth decay. Bacteria living in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that destroy tooth enamel.
