Why Is Eating Too Many Sweets Bad For You?

By Kamya Keerthivasan

In a world where sugary treats are around every corner, I know that it is easy to succumb to the allure of them. From delicious chocolate cakes to a variety of unique candies, the temptations are constantly there. But have you ever stopped to consider the repercussions of indulging in these sugary delights all day?

When I was a child, I remember that eating sweets was the highlight of my day- I loved every second of the sugar-induced euphoria. I constantly used to live in a sweet paradise, or so I thought. Each day, I was hit with a ton of bricks. The sugar rush quickly disappeared and was replaced by a crashing wave of exhaustion and irritability. From a state of entire bliss, I became miserable. While my body was trying to cope with the copious amounts of sugar we had consumed, I can say it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

However, that wasn’t the end of it. Over time, indulging in sweets became a habit, and it took a toll on my health. When I visited my dentist, she discovered that I had developed 8 cavities! Not only did my oral health decline, but also my well-being as there was a feeling of being sluggish after the rush and risk of dire health issues.

It is important to note that my story is not unique. In fact, excessive sugar consumption is a common pitfall that many of us fall into. So why is eating too much sugary foods bad for you?

1. It can cause weight gain: These sugary treats, as well as sugary beverages, often are packed with empty calories, so when consumed in excess, they lead to weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. Currently, the obesity rates in the nation are fairly high and are projected to become higher, and one key factor is sugar consumption.

2. Sugar is “addictive”: The consumption of sugar stimulates the brain with feelings of pleasure and reward, so over consumption of these treats will lead to the development on an unhealthy habit.

3. The Risk For The Development Of Chronic Diseases Increase: The consumption of sugar is tied to various health issues. In specific, they are linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, which can all be life-threatening. Therefore, the overconsumption of these treats can lead to dire conditions.

4. The Risk For Cancer Will Increase: There are various factors with excess sugar consumption that relate to the risk of cancer. First, obesity significantly increases one’s risk of cancer. Also, diets high in sugar can lead to insulin resistance and and increase inflammation, which increase the risk of cancer development.

Looking at these potential outcomes from sugar consumption show that overconsumption is serious and can be very harmful in the long run. So, we need to keep track of our consumption and try to reduce our risk of these health issues. But how do we do that?

1. Swap out the soda: Sodas contain a lot of sugar- check the nutrition label if you don’t believe me. Water is so much better, but if you want something sweet to drink, diet drinks can be helpful alternatives.

2. Use less sugar in cooking: Cut back on the amount of sugar you use in cereal, coffee, pancakes, and other foods. Try cutting down the usual amount of sugar you use, then go from there.

3. Compare food labels and use the one with the least added sugars: Natural sugars are healthy, but some products contain a lot of added sugars, so try to avoid them.

4. Substitute: Instead of using sugar in a cooking recipe, substitute it with things like unsweetened applesauce.

There are various ways to cut down on sugars to lead a healthy lifestyle. By no means am I telling you to not eat sugary sweets at all- it’s ok to enjoy them, but on moderation. I know that they can be hard to resist, but understanding the risks and consequences is crucial for maintaining a healthy well-being.

The next time you are tempted to eat the mouthwatering piece of cake, stop and think about about the long-term impact on your health. Your future self will thank you for making the right choice.

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar
3. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/tips-for-cutting-down-on-sugar
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar