All Of The Reasons You Should Consider Giving Up Refined Sugar
We all know that too much sugar really isn’t good for us. But have you ever considered giving up refined sugar completely? There are loads of health benefits associated with having less white sugar in our diets, which could you help feel better on the inside and look better on the outside.
When you start looking at everything you eat and whether it contains sugar or not, you will probably be shocked to see how much of what we eat contains refined sugar. Here are all of the reasons that you should consider giving up refined sugar!
Less sugar = more energy
Although it might be difficult for the first few days, eventually you will feel like you have more energy once you do quit sugar. Snacks in high sugar often result in a high and then a rapid drop in energy soon after. Refined sugars causes blood sugar levels to soar and results in the crash that makes you feel more tired and wanting more carbs and sugar. It’s an addiction!
Enjoy better skin and teeth
We all know that sugar is bad for your teeth – and the longer sugary food is in contact with teeth, the more damage it can cause. So, eating less white sugar means healthier teeth. However, be careful to not eat too much other sugar (i.e. from fruits) as it can also contribute to tooth decay. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, cause insulin levels to spike, which leads to inflammation in the body. As a result, inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which results in sagging skin and wrinkles. Sugar also affects our complexion and can contribute to more congested skin.
Weight loss
We’ve said it before and we will say it again – sugar is in everything. This means that it can really add up and if you do eat a lot of sugary foods or drink a lot of fizzy drinks, it will be even worse. Cutting out refined sugar can help you to consume fewer calories, which when in a calorie deficit, can help you to lose weight faster. Primarily, giving up refined sugar will force you to think more about what you’re putting into your body and could translate into subsequent weight loss.
Get rid of belly fat
Numerous studies have shown that excess sugar, mostly due to the large amounts of fructose, can lead to increased accumulation of fat in the belly and liver. So, if you start eating less of it, you should find it easier to get rid of excess belly fat.
Better mental focus
Did you know that consuming refined sugar can impact your mood, decision-making, and memory? Though there is no doubt that there are physical benefits when you give up refined sugar, there are remarkable impacts on our mental health too. During the first few days of giving up refined sugar, you are likely to feel foggy and could even suffer from headaches but fight through it! After about a week, you should start to feel better than before: more focused, clear-headed and able to think a lot clearer. It’s worth it!
Healthier immune system
Eating or drinking too much sugar can stop immune system cells from attacking nasty bacteria. This effect lasts for at least a few hours after downing a couple of sugary drinks so a diet that consists of little to none refined sugar means better overall health.
Minimize the risk of getting diabetes (and other diseases)
A diet full of refined sugar has been linked to the increased rates of cancer, as it causes cells to multiply faster than normal. It has also been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that eating too many sweetened foods can affect the risk of type 2 diabetes although, it is not necessarily conclusive. All in all, if you can manage to give up refined sugar, your body and mind will thank you for it. Trust us!
