We’ve all read about the negative side effects of sugar, with scientists claiming it has a similar effect on our bodies to cocaine. During February Sugar Smart & Cancer Research is aiming aims to get us to give up sugar and go ‘Fizz Free’, but should we and if we do will our health benefit?
Here are just a few of the benefits:
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes – Research shows that drinking one or two cans of sugary drinks daily leads to a 26% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who rarely consume sugary drinks. The high quantity of sugar causes stress on the pancreas causing insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes.
Weight Loss – Participants who started out a “normal weight” and drank three fizzy drinks a day were twice as likely to be overweight or obese eight years later as their non-diet-fizzy drinking peers. Even diet drinks have been linked to a higher risk of obesity! A study in the Journal Nature shows that people who consume one or more diet fizzy drinks a day saw an increase of 3.16 inches around the waist.
Better Sleep – Sugar can affect our ability to sleep and can pull you out of a deep sleep, making you feel exhausted the next day. Good Sleep is linked to gut health and digestion and plays a significant role in weight loss. It is also important for concentration, at work, at school and through life.
Improved Skin – Many people who give up sugar say that their skin begins to improve, there are even suggestions that giving up sugar can help improve eczema, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions. Quitting sugar can also make you more resistant to the sun and stop your skin from prematurely aging, a 2014 study in the American Journal of Public Health showed that fizzy drinks may age you as much as smoking.
More Energy – With the benefit of added sleep you are already halfway to having more energy, and reducing sugar will help avoid sugar induced peaks and troughs.
More Money – Save money by not buying sugary drinks. If you buy one bottle of soft drink a day, you could save up to £438 a year.
Everyone Health provides Adult Weight Management Services and a Health Trainer Service in Staffordshire. The Health Trainer can help you reduce sugar from your diet. Simply visit the website to see if you are eligible for the services and if so, complete the referral form or call: 0333 005 0093.