Evidence suggests that sugar has a number of detrimental health effects and these centre on the development of insulin resistance. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests that insulin resistance can develop within two weeks of consuming reasonably high amounts of sugar, particularly in the form of soft drinks or fruit juice. However, it is possible to reverse the detrimental effects of sugar after they have developed, and as sugar is removed from the diet, insulin sensitivity gradually increases. One if the main benefits of reducing sugar intake is weight loss. Sugar is known to cause weight gain and removing sugar from the diet is one of the most effective ways of losing body fat, especially around the waist. A reduction in body weight is often accompanied by a reduction in blood pressure, and this significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Because metabolic function starts to return to normal as sugar is removed, blood cholesterol levels also normalise.
Weight loss, lower blood pressure, and a normalisation of blood cholesterol levels are the main benefits to giving up sugar. A significant reduction in cardiovascular risk can also be expected.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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