Nowadays, there's sugar in pretty much everything we eat. It is usually found in ready-to-eat foods and, of course, sodas, but is also added to certain other foods that aren't meant to be sweet. Manufacturers know that sugar addiction is a tough habit to break. However, once you stop eating processed or added sugar, you'll notice a lot of changes in your body and your mind.
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# 1: Your heart will thank you
For starters, eliminating added sugars from your diet will help you avoid problems. Added sugars cause an increase in insulin levels, which will cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, within a few weeks, quitting sugar is shown to decrease cholesterol levels by 10%. A big step forward for your health.
# 2: Your skin will also thank you
What if sugar was to blame for your pimples? It just might be, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which published a study about the link between sugar and acne in 2016. According to scientists, 87% of participants who drank at least one can of soda a day for 3 weeks had a sharp increase in pimples on their skin. Although there isn't much information on the participants' diet, it's a good start.
# 3: You'll reduce your risk of having diabetes (which is good)
It's no secret that processed or added sugar is one of the causes of type 2 diabetes. Insulin levels are increased by sugar consumption, but the pancreas then loses its ability to process it. According to the study, regular consumption of added sugars makes you eleven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
# 4: Your mood will be more stable
Shortly after quitting sugar, you'll be in a bit cranky, which is normal. The same way a smoker craves nicotine, the body will ask for sugar, it will be in withdrawal. But once you get past this, your anxiety will decrease, as will your mood swings and negativity. We're not saying that quitting sugar is the secret to eternal happiness. Just that it'll help you smile a little more.
# 5: You'll finally be able to get a good night's sleep
No heart problems, no breakouts, no diabetes, improved mood... all ingredients for better quality sleep. Also, added sugars increase the amount of cortisol, a hormone that affects sleep, in the body. Quitting sugar will allow you to be more alert and focused during the day, and in the evening, you'll have less trouble falling asleep.
# 6: Say goodbye to short-term memory loss
Scientists have noticed that when you increase your intake of added sugar, your brain has more trouble concentrating and thus memorizing information. Once you quit sugar, you'll finally be able to remember your new coworker's name. However, if you can't remember the person you hooked up with last night, you might want to consider quitting something else.
# 7: You'll lose a lot of fat
Last but not least, the one perk we know you were hoping to see on the list! Indeed, eliminating added or processed sugars from your diet will affect your waistline. Once you stop snacking on cookies, your calorie intake will be significantly lower. As a result, within a few weeks, you'll notice - the moment you've been waiting for - a drop in the number on the scale. But in order for this to happen, you'll need to have a balanced diet overall.
