Most white sugar comes from either the sugar cane or beet plant. Refined sugar is the result of chemical processes that remove all protein and fiber from the plant and produce a nice, white, and extremely sweet tasting substance. There are side effects of sugar on our bodies that are clear immediately after consumption and other long-term side effects as well.
Psychological Effects
Consuming sugar produces a roller coaster of psychological effects ranging from depression caused from blood sugar swings to slower memory recall. Side effects of sugar on our bodies include mood swings, irritability, confusion and difficulty with short-term memory that produces a feeling of hitting a brick wall. Sugar, in the form of glucose, enters the brain and affects the hippocampus, which is crucial for processing short-term memory items. That part of the brain needs time to recover between sugar highs and lows in order for it to process information effectively. From a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, those observed demonstrated a pattern of inattention when measured in continual performance tasks immediately following the ingestion of sugar.
The Internal Organs
The ingestion of high-sugar intake for those with type 2 diabetes is detrimental to health. Not only will high-sugar intake create vision problems, continued use is linked to increase risks for heart disease, stroke, infertility and birth defects. High blood sugar can cause kidney failure for those with diabetes as well. Side effects of sugar are not only cause for concern for those with type 2 diabetes; over consumption is a health concern because the intake of empty calories from sugar do not contribute to, or support, a healthy immune system.
The Outward Appearance
Since sugar wreaks havoc on internal organs, the side effects of sugar on our bodies are visible. Sugar creates conditions for tooth decay and weight gain in both children and adults. The domino effect of weight gain and continued use of sugar create negative effects on self-esteem and health risks caused by obesity. According to the author of "Sugar Blues," consuming sugar produces hair loss in both men and women and signs of aging skin such as wrinkles.
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