Short and long-term dangers of sugar

Most people agree that sugar tastes great. We tend to like it in soda, coffee, tea, cakes, cookies, candy, ketchup, bread and so many other items that surprise most people.  

The problem is that it is so bad for our bodies.  

According to a statement on Harvard Health, “Too much sugar can be one of the greatest threats to cardiovascular disease.” In addition to being bad for your heart, over time, it can also cause weight gain and be part of the reason for developing diabetes.  

What about the short-term effects of too much sugar? 

Houston Methodist states consuming too much sugar can spike your blood sugar, causing short-term consequences. They include: 

Houston Methodist also states that while reducing your blood sugar, your body may overact and cause low blood sugar, leading to: 

The right level of sweetness 

The best way to avoid the potentially dangerous side effects of too much or too little sugar is to follow the guidelines set by the American Heart Association. The guidelines state that women should consume 100 calories (about six teaspoons or 24 grams) or less of added sugar daily. Men should have no more than 150 calories (about nine teaspoons or 36 grams) of added sugar per day. For reference, a typical can of soda has around 30 to 40 grams of sugar or 7 to 10 teaspoons of sugar. So, before you reach for a convenient can of soda, consider that one can is likely to exceed your daily allotment for sugar.  

As with most things, having a sweet tooth is not horrible. But moderation is key.  

For more information about sugar, read our blogs: