Leave the Sugar Alone to Improve Your Heart Health.

You may already be aware of one hidden danger that maintaining a high sugar diet brings. All of those PSAs and commercials that you see on the television are enough to keep you checking your blood glucose levels periodically. However, they are not enough to get you to double check the sugar content in your meals. There are many people who regularly consume large amounts of sugar and are not aware that there are other major health risks they need to be on the lookout for, such as heart disease and obesity.

Sugar is a common ingredient that is found in many food products. Manufacturers use many different names for it on ingredient labels. If you are not very knowledgeable or careful, you could find yourself eating far too much of it without even knowing it. Check out the information below to learn how beneficial a low sugar diet can be for your heart health.

Stresses the Heart-
High blood glucose puts a lot of stress on your cardiovascular system. It causes your triglyceride levels to rise, your arteries to harden and shrink, and a significant decrease in healthy heart function, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure.

Causes Persistent Inflammation-
Inflammation is a state where there is swelling, infection, and possibly even pain. When you eat too much sugar, you elevate your blood glucose levels above the normal range. This causes the body to respond by raising your insulin levels in an effort to regulate your blood sugar. The damage that is caused by constant high insulin levels can wreak havoc on your cells and lead to your body attacking itself in an effort to correct the situation. This all leads to excess swelling in your cardiovascular system which can lead to blockages and strokes.

Increases Chances for Obesity-
Obesity is a health concern for many Americans. Overconsumption of sugar can lead to it. Some people who are overweight are just a few pounds away from being labeled clinically obese. This health concern is nothing to play with because it can cause your body to become insulin resistant, causing further damage your cardiovascular health.

Sugar may taste good and in some cases make you feel good, but those aren’t proper indicators you should use to assess whether or not something is healthy. You should also pay close attention to the sugar and carbohydrate content that is on the packaging of everything you eat. Don’t forget that carbs turn into sugar once they are consumed.

Excessive sugar consumption doesn’t just affect adults, it also affects children. 22 is the number of teaspoons that the average person eats on a daily basis. Ideally, you should aim to eat considerably less. Reduce your consumption of sugar to less than four to six teaspoons a day. However, many people for one reason or several others are not able to realistically do so. The ready availability of processed and junk foods makes it easy for people to overlook their health and resort to bad eating habits.

Tips to Lower Your Sugar Intake-

Get your health checked frequently, especially if you are becoming more proactive about improving your eating habits. Don’t fall back to old eating habits if you are pressed for time and in search of something quick to eat. Upgrade your food selection and start eating foods from health-friendly manufacturers like Hampton Creek. Avoid processed foods and add more proteins, fiber, and water to your diet to help counteract the effects of any sugars you do ingest.

Eating sweets, in general can increase your cravings for sugar. If you can’t avoid sweets entirely, switch to using natural sweeteners like agave nectar and honey. Avoid products that have high fructose in them, it is just another name for sugar. Try to avoid alcohol as well. Alcohol is also a source of hidden sugar. Maintain a meal schedule. Eating regularly can help to curb your appetite and help you to avoid the urge to grab something sweet to eat in-between meals.

It is just as important for you to remain aware of the types of foods you are eating as it is for you to pay attention to what is in them. Everything that is marked healthy, natural, and organic is not. Educate yourself and research everything so you know more about the foods you are eating and how to better manage the amount of sugar you consume. Doing so can help you to improve your heart health and longevity.

Hope you all enjoyed this post and the health info.  Have a great night!

— Knead to Cook