Refined sugar: 5 incredible transformations that take place in your body when you eliminate it!
Eliminating refined sugar from your diet can transform your body in many ways, promoting positive changes ranging from skin health to brain function. Below, we detail five of these significant changes that occur when you reduce your consumption of refined sugar.
1. Improved skin health
Refined sugar is known for rapidly raising blood glucose levels, which stimulates the production of insulin. This process can increase inflammation in the body, one of the factors associated with acne and other skin problems, such as premature ageing. Studies indicate that diets high in sugar can accelerate the formation of wrinkles due to glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to collagen proteins, making them rigid and damaged. By cutting down on sugar, the skin becomes healthier, reducing excessive oiliness, acne and promoting a more youthful appearance.
2. Reducing body fat and losing weight
The consumption of refined sugar is directly related to weight gain and increased body fat, especially in the abdominal region. Foods rich in refined sugar are mostly high in calories and low in nutritional value, contributing to an increase in calories without adequate satiety. In addition, sugar affects the release of insulin, which facilitates the storage of fat. By removing sugar, the body starts looking for other sources of energy, such as stored fats, promoting more efficient fat burning and often facilitating weight loss.
3. Improved mental health and mood
Sugar can directly affect mood, as it causes rapid spikes and sudden drops in blood glucose, which is associated with mood swings, fatigue and even anxiety symptoms. Studies show that refined sugar can interfere with levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to pleasure, leading to a kind of "addiction". This means that frequent consumption of sugar generates a constant search for new doses to maintain levels of well-being, creating a cycle of dependence. When you reduce or cut out sugar, your mood stabilizes, with more constant energy throughout the day.
4. Increased energy and improved sleep quality
Refined sugar affects sleep quality due to the spikes in energy it causes and the subsequent crash that occurs shortly after consumption. This cycle of ups and downs can interfere with sleep patterns, especially when sugar is consumed at the end of the day. In addition, sugar can cause insulin resistance, which in the long term can affect hormonal balance and hinder the body's ability to regulate sleep properly. Reducing sugar leads to a more balanced energy cycle and improved sleep, which in turn results in a better mood during the day.
5. Strengthening the immune system
High consumption of refined sugar can weaken the immune system because it affects the white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. Excess sugar decreases the ability of these cells to fight bacteria and viruses. Studies suggest that a high concentration of glucose in the blood reduces the efficiency of immune cells, facilitating infections and increasing inflammation in the body. By reducing sugar, the immune system tends to strengthen, making the body more resistant to disease and infection.
Conclusion
Cutting refined sugar out of your diet may seem challenging at first, but the benefits to your body and overall health make it a worthwhile endeavor. From healthier skin to a stronger immune system, the changes go beyond aesthetics and have a positive impact on quality of life. For those who want to experience this transformation, the tip is to gradually reduce sugar, opting for natural alternatives and developing new eating habits that promote well-being and longevity.
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Mirella
