Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Lori Geurin
You’ve heard it said that sugar is bad for your health. But what does that really mean? The research continues to stack up against our biggest dietary enemy…refined sugar.
In fact, no matter how much we crave the sweet stuff – sugar is our nutritional nemesis. Processed sugar (not fat) is one of the leading causes of many modern diseases. These include fatty liver disease, obesity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.
So let’s take an inside look at the facts. Based on research.
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20 Reasons Why Refined Sugar Is Bad For Your Health
- Sugar causes tooth decay (1).
- Eating excess sugar can cause fatty liver disease (2).
- Sugar depletes the body of nutrients and suppresses the immune system (3).
- Sugar, not saturated fat, raises cholesterol, and causes cardiovascular disease (4, 5, 6). I’m glad they finally cleared this up!
- Consuming sugar can cause insulin resistance as well as metabolic syndrome (7).
- Sugar can cause mood disorders and depression (8).
- Sugar causes inflammation which can lead to disease (9).
- Eating sugar causes wrinkles (10).
- Sugar is highly addictive, “as addictive as cocaine” (11).
- Sugar increases the risk of cancer because it causes metabolic changes (12, 13).
- Consuming sugar causes obesity, a leading cause of mortality and chronic disease in the United States (14).
- Sugar is a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes (15).
- Sugar impacts the brain and is linked to Alzheimer’s disease (16).
- Eating sugar can cause osteoporosis (17).
- Sugar causes high blood pressure (18).
- Eating and drinking sugar increases your appetite (19).
- Sugar consumption can cause kidney stones (20).
- Sugar can cause food allergies as well as asthma (21).
- Dietary sugar intake produces free radicals and damages DNA (22).
- Sugar may contribute to poor eyesight and macular degeneration (23).
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Summary – Why Refined Sugar Is Bad for Health
In the research on sugar and your health above, you can see that refined sugar is full of empty calories and highly addictive. Eating it causes inflammation in the body.
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And above all, sugar makes you hungrier and increases your risk for diseases, chronic health conditions, and mood disorders. Eating sugar (or not eating sugar) is a personal choice.
So if you want to cut down on your sugar intake but still crave something sweet, try substituting fruit. It’s fiber-rich, packed with antioxidants, and naturally sweet.
Also, if you’re looking for a natural sugar substitute that is actually good for you, I recommend Stevia. You can learn more about it in Stevia Health Benefits, Safety And Inside Information.
What’s your favorite tip for cutting back on sugar? What do you eat when you’re craving something sweet?
Share your thoughts about sugar below in the comment section!
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What a great reminder to stay away from sugar. It’s also a great idea to make sure your children learn to avoid it young too.
Yes, great point, Heather. If kids aren’t exposed to it when they’re little they’re less likely to develop a “sweet tooth”.
We try to not eat too much sugar in our home. Here and there we do treats, but for the most part we try to avoid it. My coffee is probably the one exception lol
That’s great, Jessica!
I agree, Jeanine. When I indulge in a sweet treat it may taste good for a moment but then the crash hits, and the cravings for more.
oh my! I knew many of these but not all of them. thank you for sharing as there are many more reasons one does not consider.
It’s true, Cecilia. How could something so sweet and (seemingly) innocent as sugar pack such a dangerous punch to our health? Thanks!
I have been working really hard to detox my body from refined sugars. I am like an addict when it comes to sugar!
Nice work, Reesa! That takes hard work and dedication!
You’re not alone when it comes to sugar addiction. I’ve been there too. It feels good to be free from it though. I hope this helps 🙂
I am a huge sugar addict. I know I need to cut it out of my diet. It is so hard for me.
I hear you, Kelly. Why do they have to make that stuff so sweet?!
I try to save my sugar for dessert and of course my chai teas. Otherwise I avoid sugar as much as possible. I read labels on all my foods so that I don’t buy things with unnecessary sugars. I also opt for honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar or agave in my own recipes.
Good idea, Cindy! Chai tea sounds wonderful. And reading food labels is always a smart move.
This is really important. Sugar can definitely ruin our health, and as much as possible it would be nice to limit our intake or try to eliminate it from our diet.
Totally agree, AnnMarie!
I’m a huge fan of sweet treats but yes, I agree. Refined Sugar can cause many health problems. We should be disciplined enough.
True that, Journa!
I did the whole30 and by halfway through I completely stopped craving sugar.
Oh, that’s awesome to hear, Rachel! Isn’t it amazing how little time it takes the cravings to subside?
I did the Whole30 last summer and had the same experience.
I QUIT sugar six months ago. I cannot tell you how much better I feel. With that ONE thing alone, I lost 30 pounds. I’m completely cutting out anything that has any -ose ending in the ingredients. I even found sugar in my SALT. Needless to say, I threw it away and bought another brand.
What an amazing testament to the power of QUITTING sugar – I love it, Terri! You go, girl!!!
I feel the need to cleanse my pantry of all its -ose’s right now!
The occasional sweet treat is good and sometimes it can be hard to say no to a slice of delicious cake or cookie but I definitely agree too much is not good and can just make you feel drained and want to eat more.
I agree, Jeanine. When I indulge in a sweet treat it may taste good for a moment but then the crash hits, and the cravings for more.
I love things sweet but am so afraid of sugar but coffee needs something. I will have to try stevia and it seems healthy.
I understand, Melissa. I’ve never been a fan of black coffee, but love Bulletproof coffee with stevia.