A spoonful of sugar might make the medicine go down, but it can also cause you to feel sick! But why is sugar bad for us? While many of us do our best to cut down on sugar, not all of us know its effects on our health.

#1: Sugar can weaken your immune system

Studies have found that increases in sugar intake can temporarily weaken the immune system. When this happens, your body's ability to ward off diseases and infections is reduced. So, if you were to consume food and drinks that contain a lot of sugar frequently, the chances of you getting sick would be greatly increased.

#2: Sugar increases the risk of obesity

This one will be no surprise to you, as we all know that an excess of cakes, sweets, and other sugary items can affect our body weight. Unfortunately, obesity is a leading cause of a number of health-related problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. So, if you needed any incentive to start losing weight, let this be it, especially if your BMI is over 30.

#3: Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay

Here's another point that will be of no surprise to you, as it's a well known that sugar causes tooth decay. The longer it sits on our teeth, the more damage it can do, which is why you should brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove any trace. You should also take advantage of the dental services in your area if your teeth are already showing signs of wear as your dentist will advise you on what you need to do to care for them.

#4: Sugar hurries along the aging process

When sugar hits your bloodstream, it attaches to proteins and then produces harmful free radicals that can cause your skin to lose elasticity. Your skin will then become more prone to wrinkles and sagging, and you might experience dark circles around your eyes, too. While you can use all kinds of beauty products to improve your skin, the best thing you can do to delay aging is to lay off the sugary sodas and bars of chocolate.

#5: Sugar can affect your mental health

A sugary treat can give you a quick burst of energy, which is useful if you're feeling tired and sluggish. However, the burst of energy, also known as a "sugar high," is a result of blood sugar levels rising quickly. The problem lies when your cells absorb the sugar. You can experience a "sugar crash" which will cause you to feel jittery and anxious. Studies have also shown that a high intake of sugar can cause depression in adults. The bottom line? Stick to healthy snacks to boost your energy in place of those sugary alternatives.

Is sugar all bad? It depends. There are some health benefits, so it shouldn't be dismissed entirely. However, it's all about a healthy balance, as overdoing it will lead to health issues. So, do what you can to cut down.

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