Dangerous effects of consuming too much sugar

The USDA recommends eating no more than 10 tsp. of sugar per day. However, a single can of soda contains 9 tsp., and a 16-oz. chocolate milk carton contains 11 tsp., making it easy to exceed the daily recommendation with just a single product. In addition, sugar is in everything from salad dressings to canned soups to cereals, so you may eat too much without even realizing it.

Weight Gain.

Over 34 percent of adult Americans are obese. This puts the country in first place in the world in terms of overweight population. The problem stems a number of factors, including less daily activity and more reliance on convenience food.

Also read the article stop sugar cravings in 4 easy steps.

The average American eats as many as 22 tsp. of sugar a day. Since a single teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories, that's an extra 352 calories you're consuming a day, which can easily lead to weight gain.

Energy Levels.

After you eat sugar, you might experience an increase in energy, but the effect is temporary. After some time, your body will crash and your energy levels will plummet. This can get you into a cycle in which you eat to increase energy, crash and eat again to regain energy. Keep repeating the cycle and you might end up gaining weight as a result, as well as feeling drained of energy.

Diabetes.

Eating excess sugar does not directly cause diabetes, but it might increase your risk. According to AskDrSears.com, eating sugar will trigger the release of insulin in your body. In people who are already predisposed to diabetes because of family history, the constant release of insulin might eventually affect the way your body deals with sugar, leading to diabetes.

Other Side Effects.

While all carbs can affect your blood sugar, carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, such as sweets, white flour and highly processed grains, will cause it to spike more quickly.

Also read the article 7 ways to get rid of the refined sugar habit.

Other consequences of consuming too much sugar include susceptibility to infectious diseases and yeast infections, hyperactivity in children, crankiness and mood changes and eczema. Sugar can also increase your triglycerides, which are one of the components of your cholesterol. High triglycerides mean a greater risk of heart attacks. Sugar might also weaken your immune system.

Taken from: livestrong.com (article, By Sarah Dray), Google (images).