The average American eats 25 pounds of candy and 61 pounds of refined sugar each year. At least two pounds of that is from Halloween. You should avoid sugar as much as possible or if not, try to lower your intake of it. This is because you don’t want to get the harmful effects of sugar on the body. Here are some things that you must know about sugar.

The Role of Sugar in Our Diet

We use sugar in our diet because it is an essential part of the food chain. Plants need sugar to grow, and we use it to feed animals, who then eat those plants. Without sugar, there would be no way for us to get our protein or other essential nutrients.

The amount of sugar we consume has increased over the years, leading to problems like obesity and diabetes. We should try to reduce the amount of sugar that we consume, especially if we are trying to lose weight or manage diabetes. There are many sugar-free recipes out there that you can try.

Why Sugar is Bad for Us

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate found in many foods. It is often added to foods as a sweetener and can also be used in baking. In the body, sugar is converted into glucose, which is the main energy source for the cells. Most types of sugar are unhealthy if consumed excessively and can lead to weight gain and health problems.

Sugar is bad for you because it spikes your blood sugar and can cause weight gain, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. It’s also addictive, so you may find yourself craving more and more of it.

But perhaps the most notorious and apparent harm sugar has on our bodies is that it is calamitous for our teeth. Sugar invites bacteria to fester in our teeth, which leads to cavities. They can become painful and need to be treated by a dentist who specializes in work involving composite fillings. That is the best-case scenario, as some people might have to get rid of their entire tooth if the damage is severe. And yet, it is hard to lay off sugar because it is so addictive.

What are the Sources of Sugars in Our Diet

There are many types of sugars in our diet, each with different health benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common sources of added sugars in our diets include:

  • Refined Sugar: This refers to processed or artificial sugars that have been stripped of their nutrients and fibre. These types of sugars are often found in foods like sugary drinks, desserts, candy, cake mixes, and pasta sauces.
  • Raw Sugar: This is unrefined sugar that has not been heated over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s commonly found in sweet fruits like apples and pears, as well as in honey and maple syrup.
  • Brown Sugar: This is a type of unrefined sugar that has been partially cooked before it’s added to food. It has a molasses flavour and can be found in cereal, oatmeal, baked goods, and some savoury dishes like chili.
  • High-Fructose Corn Syrup: This type of sugar is made from corn and is most commonly found in soft drinks, fruit drinks, and some packaged foods. It’s been linked to weight gain and other health problems.
  • Dextrose: This type of sugar is made from glucose and is used mostly in medicinal products and as a sweetener in food.
  • Lactose: This type of sugar is found in milk and other dairy products. It can cause digestive issues for some people if consumed in large amounts.
  • Brown Rice Syrup: This type of sugar is made from white rice and has a milder flavor than other types of sugar. It’s used in foods like cereal, yogurt, and smoothies.
  • Raw Honey: This type of sugar is made from flowers and has a fruity, floral taste. It can be used in place of refined sugar in most recipes.

How Do We Get Sugar?

When it comes to sugar, many people think of processed foods like cake and candy. But did you know that you can get sugar in natural form too? For example, fruits are high in sugar.

You can also get sugar from sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. If you’re looking to reduce your intake of sugar, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, be aware of the types of sugars that are bad for you. These include added sugars like those in processed foods and sugary drinks, as well as naturally occurring sugars like those found in fruit.

Secondly, try to vary your diet and include both sweet and savory foods. This way, you’ll get the benefits of both types of sugars without overindulging on either side.

Finally, make sure to track your intake of sugar so that you can make adjustments as needed.

By knowing these facts about sugar, then you can now better avoid them. This helps ensure that you are able to lower your intake or avoid foods that are actually high in sugar content.