Sugar is a simple molecule composed of two units of carbon and six units of hydrogen. It can be found in nature as sucrose (table sugar), fructose, or glucose. All three forms are used by the body for energy.
Sugar is the basic ingredient in many foods, including breads, cakes, cookies, and candies. In the United States, we consume an average of more than 20 pounds of sugar each year, most of which is added to food during processing.
Sugar is also one of the major causes of obesity. People who consume too much sugar have higher levels of insulin, a hormone that helps the body control blood sugar levels. This can cause high blood pressure and other health problems.
Sugar is not only bad for your health; it is bad for your teeth. When you eat sugar, the bacteria in your mouth convert some of it into acid, which eats away at tooth enamel. The resulting tooth decay can be painful and expensive to treat.
When you eat sugar, the body breaks down some of it into fat, which is stored around the belly area. Excess belly fat is linked to many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Here are some ways to reduce your intake of sugar:
- * Eat less candy and desserts.
- * Avoid processed foods, such as white bread, bagels, and crackers.
- * Drink water instead of sodas or fruit juices.
- * Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
- * Eat less red meat.
- * Eat fewer fatty foods.
- * Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- * Reduce the amount you drink alcoholic beverages.
- * Try to avoid eating between meals.
You may need to make some changes to your lifestyle in order to get rid of excess belly fat. If you are overweight, you may need to join a weight loss program or hire a personal trainer to help you get started. You will need to pay attention to what you eat and how often you exercise.
If you have diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about the best ways to manage your condition. Many people with diabetes use insulin to help their bodies control blood sugar levels.
If you have high blood pressure, you may need to cut back on the amount of salt you eat. Salt raises blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, you should try to cut back on salt gradually.
Many people who eat too much sugar experience a feeling of lethargy or depression. They may find it hard to concentrate and become irritable. If this happens to you, you may want to speak with your doctor about taking medication to reduce your symptoms.