Feeling constantly drained and foggy of late? If you have been blaming your busy schedule or lack of sleep, it is time to look closer at your plate. What you eat plays a crucial role in your health and overall well-being. If you are an unapologetic dessert lover, maybe it’s time to think again. Though a sweet treat might feel like a quick fix, it has a long-lasting impact on your health. Added sugar can quietly chip away at your energy, mood, and overall health. If you are considering cutting back on sugar, here are some of the surprising benefits you would reap. Take a look.Makes your brain sharp
Cutting sugar can boost brain function. Excessive intake of sugar is linked to cognitive decline. Studies suggest that excessive glucose consumption impairs memory and focus. A recent study has found that fatty and sugary diets impair brain function. “The good news is we think this is an easily reversible situation. Dietary changes can improve the health of the hippocampus, and therefore our ability to navigate our environment, such as when we’re exploring a new city or learning a new route home,” the researchers said. Avoiding added sugar even for a week or two can bring noticeable benefits to the brain. Improves gut health
Though your taste buds may adore sugary treats, the gut loathes it. The gut benefits from a sugar-free diet. Added sugars feed harmful gut bacteria, disrupts the microbiome, and cause bloating or digestive issues. Several studies suggest that reducing sugar intake can help the growth of beneficial bacteria, improve digestion, and nutrient absorption. A happy gut can also enhance mood and energy.Weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight, the best thing to do is to cut added sugar. Sugary treats are often loaded with calories and low in nutrients, including protein and fiber. Such a diet can lead to weight gain, which over time results in obesity and other chronic diseases. Cutting out the sources of added sugar will also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Improves liver health
Diets that are high in sugar, especially high fructose, are linked with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a condition caused by fat buildup in the liver. Removing sugar from the diet can significantly benefit your liver. A 2015 study found that a daily sugar-sweetened beverage habit may increase the risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). “Our study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to NAFLD and other chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” the researchers of the study said. Removing sugar from the diet, especially foods and beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, can reduce liver fat and thereby improve liver health.
Glowing skin
(Images: Canva)
Yes, that’s right. Cutting back on sugar will lead to healthier skin. This is because sugar accelerates skin aging through a process called glycation. Glycation is a process where sugar molecules damage collagen and elastin, which will lead to wrinkles and sagging. Studies have shown that cutting sugar, even for a month, may lead to visibly smoother skin and fewer acne breakouts. A low-sugar diet also leads to a radiant complexion.