Sugar is a ubiquitous ingredient found in many of the foods we eat every day. From sweetened beverages to baked goods, sugar is added to enhance flavor and improve texture, but it comes at a cost.

Consumption of high amounts of sugar has been associated with numerous health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more. Here are ten surprising ways sugar is destroying your health:.

1. Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells fail to respond to the hormone insulin properly. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, and in some cases, this can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that for every additional 150 calories of sugar consumed per day, the risk of developing diabetes increased by 11%.

2. Promotes Weight Gain and Obesity

Sugar is a high-calorie ingredient with no nutritional value. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults who consumed the most sugar were more likely to be overweight or obese than those who consumed the least amount of sugar.

3. Damages Teeth

Consuming sugary foods and drinks promotes tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel.

A study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences found that consumption of high amounts of sugar is a significant risk factor for dental caries.

4. Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Consuming too much sugar can lead to high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides are a significant risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that consumption of added sugars was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

5. Causes Inflammation in the Body

Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to numerous health problems. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and disease.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming high amounts of sugar increased markers of inflammation in the blood.

6. Impairs Brain Function

Consuming too much sugar can impair brain function and lead to cognitive decline, especially in older adults.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that older adults who consumed more sugary beverages had lower brain volume and poorer memory function than those who consumed less sugar.

7. Increases Risk of Depression

Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to an increased risk of depression.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that adults who consumed the most sugar were more likely to develop depression than those who consumed the least sugar.

8. Weakens Immune System

Consuming high amounts of sugar can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming 100 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to about two cans of soda, lowered the immune response to infections.

9. Causes Hormonal Imbalances

Consuming high amounts of sugar can cause hormonal imbalances, especially in women. Sugar can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, leading to problems such as irregular periods, acne, and hair loss.

A study published in the Journal of Endocrine Society found that consumption of high amounts of sugar was associated with decreased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that regulates estrogen and testosterone levels in the body.

10. Accelerates Aging

Consuming high amounts of sugar can accelerate aging and contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Sugar can damage collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm and elastic.

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that consumption of high amounts of sugar was associated with increased skin aging.

These are just ten of the many ways in which sugar is destroying your health. If you want to maintain good health and avoid chronic diseases, it’s important to limit your intake of sugar and focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.