Sugar consumption is associated with a number of health risks. Studies show that high amounts of sugar in the diet can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It also contributes to lower energy levels and alertness. Certain types of sugar can also cause gas and bloating in people with certain digestive conditions. And because sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, it can cause cavities and acid erosion.
It’s also important to keep in mind that sugar comes in many different forms, including those added to processed foods and beverages. It’s important to recognize that sugars are naturally occurring in food, and which ones are added by the manufacturer. Added sugars tend to be found in foods that are high in energy and low in nutritional value. These foods can easily be over-consumed and may displace more nutritious choices. As such, they are considered discretionary foods and should be avoided.
Researchers analyzed dietary data from 2157 US adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and merged them with dietary data from the MyPyramid Equivalents database of the US Department of Agriculture. The results were then used to estimate the risks of cardiovascular disease based on added sugar levels. The data were adjusted for factors such as race and sex. And while the study sample was not representative of all US adolescents, the results show that higher intake of added sugar is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study showed that adult men who consume at least 15 teaspoons of added sugar per day were three times as likely to develop heart disease as those who consumed only 8% of their daily calories from added sugar. It also found an association between high sugar intake and cardiovascular disease among women. In addition, the study found that women with high sugar intakes had a 38 percent higher risk of death from heart disease than women with lower sugar intakes.