Sugar, a staple food ingredient found in many of our daily diets, has become the subject of much debate. It is often vilified as the primary cause of various health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, it is essential to understand that sugar itself is not inherently harmful. Instead, the problem lies in its overconsumption and how it’s consumed.
Sugar occurs naturally in many foods such as fruits and vegetables; these forms of sugar are healthy because they are consumed within a nutrient-dense package full of fiber which slows down digestion and prevents spikes in blood sugar levels. The issue arises when we consume added sugars—those not naturally occurring but added during food processing or preparation.
Overconsumption of these added sugars can lead to weight gain due to their high calorie content without any nutritional value—often referred to as ’empty calories’. This excess weight can increase the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, consuming large amounts of added sugars can also lead to tooth decay.