Sugar is a dietary component naturally derived from carbohydrates. Some dieters choose to decrease their overall intake of carbs in an effort to cut down on calories and lose weight quickly. However, such a drastic dietary change can have short- and long-term consequences. Sugar from carbohydrates is necessary for providing your body with energy. The key to weight maintenance is to choose dietary sugars from healthy carbohydrates, as opposed to simple carbs such as table sugar.
Features
Carbohydrates are either complex or simple. Complex carbs contain more types of sugars that are generally processed by the body slower. Examples include whole grains, legumes and starches, such as potatoes. Simple carbohydrates contain fewer sugars than complex carbs. This sounds good in theory, but your body actually gains less fuel from these foods. Simple carbs include table sugar, candy and syrups, as well as some fruits and vegetables.
Effects
The sugars in complex carbohydrates leave your body with lasting fuel. This helps keep you fuller longer and also gives you more energy. Eating too many simple carbs can cause your body to crash, leaving you hungry early on and more fatigued. Your body stores sugars in the bloodstream for fuel. If you eat too many simple carbs, the bloodstream will lack the sugar it needs.
Too Much Sugar
Sugar is naturally present in many foods. It is generally unnecessary to add sugar to foods. Some people add table sugar to make their food sweeter. Packaged sweets as well as beverages such as soda and fruit juice all have added sugars. Overtime, too much sugar inevitably causes weight gain, due to the extra calories. Eating too much sugar can have other consequences on your health. Type 2 diabetes, a disease related to blood sugar problems, is related to obesity as well as lifestyle habits such as eating too much sugar.
Considerations
Due to the energy effects of sugar, some athletes increase their intake of carbohydrates before a lengthy workout. When done on a regular basis, this type of diet carries the risk of weight gain and blood sugar changes. Check with your doctor before making any major dietary changes. It is generally best to choose carbohydrates that are high in fiber and low in empty calories, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and whole grain bread as well as fruits and vegetables. Medline Plus recommends that you avoid table sugar, due to the added calories without any nutritional value. Keep in mind that eating too much of any one type of food can lead to weight gain.
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