How harmful is refined sugar to your health, and what exactly is it?

As more information regarding the negative impact that sugar has on one's health has been available, people have grown more cautious about the intake of sugar.

Unfortuitously, many continue to avoid sugars that are naturally present in foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts because they believe that sugar in general is something that should be avoided.

However, this is not the case since sugar that occurs naturally does not pose any danger to the body; the only sugar that is the real perpetrator in this situation is refined sugar.

Sugarcane or any other plant that has naturally occurring sugars is used to extract raw sugar or sucrose, which is then subjected to processing in order to remove molasses. This procedure is necessary in order to produce refined sugar.

Table sugar, often known as white sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup are the two variations of refined sugar that are most commonly used. When medical professionals and dietitians advise their patients to reduce their consumption of sugar, they are referring to this particular kind of sugar.

Sugar must be unhealthy as doctors warn against it. Refined sugars cause obesity, belly fat, diabetes, and heart disease. Refined sugars, especially high-fructose corn syrup, can cause leptin resistance and obesity. Type-2 diabetes, depression, liver disease, dementia, and numerous malignancies are linked to refined sugars. Fitness and nutrition specialist Ravish Basist says, "High-calorie refined sugar tastes good but is harmful. Sugar harms the kidneys and pancreas, raising blood triglycerides and risking heart disease and inflammation if you have a diabetic family history or high blood fat.

Natural sugars provide numerous nutrients, unlike processed sugars. Ravish advises, "Natural sugar—fructose in fruits and lactose in milk and cheese—is the finest alternative. Sweetening with jaggery and honey offers many health benefits, and cancer patients should eat meals with natural sugar. Fruits include fiber and milk has protein. Since these sugars are natural, eating them provides a balanced diet of other nutrients.

Sodas, packaged snacks, and ice creams include refined sugar, salt, fat, and artificial coloring, making them unhealthy. Given the health risks of refined sugar, it's best to avoid it.

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