Sugar ...

 Sugar is a sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrate that is used in many foods and beverages. It is found in all foods that contain carbohydrates, including fruit, grains, dairy and vegetables. The most common sugar is sucrose, which is a crystalline tabletop and industrial sweetener used in foods and beverages.

Why is sugar unhealthy ?

Sugar is unhealthy for several reasons. Here are some of them:

• Sugar has no nutritional value. It is an empty calorie that provides no vitamins or minerals. Consuming too much sugar can lead to nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.
• Sugar can cause weight gain. Sugar is high in calories and can increase your appetite and hunger. Consuming too much sugar can lead to excess calorie intake and obesity, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases.
• Sugar can increase your risk of diabetes. Sugar can raise your blood sugar levels and impair your insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar and energy metabolism. When your body becomes resistant to insulin, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a condition that affects your blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
• Sugar can damage your teeth. Sugar consumption can cause tooth decay, which may lead to the development of cavities. After eating sugar, bacteria in the mouth form a thin layer of plaque over the teeth. These bacteria react with the sugars present in foods and drinks, producing acids that erode the enamel of the teeth.
• Sugar can harm your heart. Sugar can increase your blood pressure, inflammation, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, which are all risk factors for heart disease. Sugar can also cause atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by fatty deposits in the arteries that restrict blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart.

Healthy sugar alternatiives

Some healthy sugar alternatives are:

• Stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of a plant. It has no calories and is much sweeter than sugar. It may also help prevent weight gain and lower blood sugar levels.
• Sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates that occur naturally in some fruits and vegetables. They have fewer calories than sugar and do not harm your teeth or raise your blood sugar levels significantly. Some examples are erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol.
• Maple syrup. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from the sap of maple trees. It contains some minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that may have health benefits. However, it is still high in calories and sugar, so it should be used sparingly.
• Honey. Honey is a natural sweetener that is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It has some antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may benefit your health. However, like maple syrup, it is also high in calories and sugar, so it should be used in moderation.
• Coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that comes from the sap of coconut palm flowers. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, which means it does not spike your blood sugar levels as much. It also contains some minerals and antioxidants, but it is still high in calories and fructose, so it should be used sparingly.