The Top 7 Reasons Why Experts Recommend Eating Less Sugar

Eating less sugar seems to be what everyone is talking about these days. However, it's pretty hard to stop eating something so delicious without a good reason why. 

Have you ever wondered WHY less sugar is important for virtually all of us? 

The Top 7 Reasons Why 

Here are the top 7 reasons why most health experts, including us, recommend eating nutrient-dense foods like fruit instead of sugar-laden foods like traditional desserts. (This doesn't mean you must give up dessert for life! Far from it! Traditional dessert can be a delicious part of a sustainable healthy life. Check out our article here for more on that.)

1. Improved Nutrient Intake: Nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are vital for various things that our bodies do. These include: supporting our immune systems, keeping our bones healthy, and producing natural energy. By eating more of these foods, you give your body what it needs to function optimally.

2. Weight Management: Nutrient-dense foods are often lower in calories compared to processed foods that are high in added sugars and unhealthy fats. By focusing on replacing packaged foods with once that are full of nutrients, you can maintain a healthy weight or support your weight loss efforts with ease. Excess weight is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and joint issues. By managing your weight through a nutrient-dense diet, you reduce the risk of these conditions. (More on managing weight here.) 

3. Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Eating less sugar helps prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. When you eat foods high in sugar, your blood sugar levels can rapidly rise, leading to a surge in insulin production. Later, your blood sugar plumets just as dramatically. Over time, this cycle can contribute to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. By choosing nutrient-dense foods that are lower in sugar (and higher in healthy fats, proteins, and fiber), you will have more stable blood sugar levels. This reduces the strain on your pancreas and decreases your risk of diabetes. Discover a method to support healthy blood sugar here. 

4. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods and low in added sugars is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. For example, a high intake of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and age-related eye conditions. Additionally, foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases.

5. Better Digestive Health: Nutrient-dense foods are often high in fiber, which is good for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements (ie, going poop), prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

6. Enhanced Energy Levels: Nutrient-dense foods give us a sustained source of energy. Sugary or processed foods, on the other hand, can cause energy crashes. (That's the afternoon slump or the feeling of being "hangry".)  Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, along with proteins and healthy fats, provide lasting energy without the rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This sustained energy can improve productivity, focus, and overall well-being throughout the day. Sustained energy feels great! 

7. Improved Mental Health: Emerging research suggests that diet plays a significant role in mental health. Diets high in sugar and processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. On the other hand, nutrient-dense foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can support brain health and mood regulation. For example, omega-3s found in fatty fish like salmon have been shown to have antidepressant effects, while foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and dark leafy greens, can help reduce oxidative stress in the brain.

By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats, and reducing your intake of sugar and processed foods, you can positively impact your health. This leads to a healthier and more vibrant life.

Wondering how to fit dessert into your healthy life, with lots of great recipes? Check our more in this post. 

Curious what other foods may be good to consider limiting? More on that here. 

Discover a method to support healthy blood sugar here.