Sugar intake has increased by 28 percent since 1983 and is a contributor to the nationwide obesity epidemic, as well as other health problems, the Center for Science in the Public Interest notes. Sweet foods contain large amounts of sugar and can contribute to a host of negative health consequences. A clear understanding of what risks you take when eating sweet foods may have you reaching for a fruit or vegetable next time hunger strikes.
Contribute to Poor Diet
If you fill up on a large amount of sweet foods, you will have little room left in your diet for more nutritious choices. When you eat a great deal of sweet foods, you may be lacking key vitamins and minerals essential for good health, MayoClinic.com notes. Reducing your intake of sweet foods can make room in your daily diet for more nutritious choices, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Read nutrition labels to determine what foods you can choose to replace sweets.
May Cause Weight Gain
Many sweet foods contain a large amount of calories. If your diet includes a lot of sweets, you may take in more calories than you are able to burn off. Regularly consuming more calories than you are able to burn will lead to weight gain. The "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reports that sweet beverages in particular may influence weight gain. MayoClinic.com adds that when you eat sweetened foods, it it easy to consume more calories than you need. Keep your intake of sugar to 6 tsp. per day if you are female or 9 tsp. per day if you are male, to help prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Can Cause Tooth Decay
When you eat sweets, the sugar they contain sticks to your teeth, which can lead to dental problems like cavities and tooth decay. MayoClinic.com notes that sugar encourages bacteria to produce in your mouth, which makes it easier for cavities and other dental problems to occur. When you do eat sweets, brush your teeth immediately afterward to flush the sugar off your teeth and help prevent dental problems.
Contributes to Long-Term Health Problems
The Center for Science in the Public Interest suggests that eating a diet that lacks the proper nutrients puts you at an increased risk for health problems in the future, including osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Reducing your intake of sweets and increasing your intake of healthier foods may offer some protection.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Added Sugar: Don't Get Sabotaged by Sweeteners; April 2011
- Center for Science in the Public Interest; America: Drowning in Sugar
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review; Vasanti S Malik, et al; August 2006
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