Yes, too much sugar can be toxic to the body:
- Acne: Sugar can increase oil production and inflammation, which can contribute to acne.
- Telomeres: Sugary drinks can shorten telomeres, which cap the end of chromosomes and protect them from damage. Shortened telomeres are associated with age-related diseases like diabetes.
- Addiction: Sugar can act on the brain to encourage subsequent intake, similar to tobacco and alcohol.
- Metabolic syndrome: Sugar can lead to metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, and diabetes.
- Aging: Sugar can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, which can contribute to aging.
- Cancer: Sugar consumption has been linked to several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial.
- Liver: Sugar can damage the liver, similar to how alcohol does.
- Kidneys: Sugar can damage the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.
The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization recommend that most women consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day.
