Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy, but too much added sugar can lead to health problems such as increased triglycerides (which may increase the risk of heart disease), tooth decay, poor nutrition, and weight gain. These are just a few health reasons why it’s important to monitor sugar intake.
Added sugar is sugar that is added to processed foods in order to boost flavor, give color and texture, preserve foods like jams and jellies, serve as a bulking agent in baked foods, and balance the acidity of foods that contain vinegar. According to the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, excessive sugar like high fructose wreaks havoc on blood sugar and insulin levels and can lead to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and certain forms of cancer.
There are foods, though, that contain natural sugars, such as fruits and vegetables, milk and some grains. Foods that contain natural sugars are your best bet for supplying the body with sugar for energy.
Several ways to reduce excessive sugar from your diet include choosing foods wisely, replacing cakes, cookies and other sweets with fresh fruit, choosing drinks that contain no sugar, choosing canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup, and eating fewer processed foods.