Unlike foods and drinks that naturally contain sugar, those with added sugar provide no nutritional value. They are also a poor energy source, as the body digests added sugar very quickly. Consuming too much may cause health problems over time.

This article discusses five reasons why added sugars are bad for health.

1. Lack of Nutritional Value

Sugar is an empty calorie.

Adding it to foods and drinks significantly increases their calorie content without adding any nutritional benefit. The body usually digests these foods and drinks quickly. This means that they are not a good source of energy.

Products that naturally contain sugar are different. For example, fruits and dairy products contain natural sugars. The body digests these foods at a slower rate, making them a lasting source of energy.

Such products also tend to contain other nutrients. For example, they also contain fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Consuming empty calories undermines the health benefits of consuming other foods and drinks that do have nutritional value. It can also cause imbalances, where nutrient deficits can lead to further health complications.

2. Weight Gain

A significant risk of consuming excess dietary sugar is weight gain.

In most cases, sugary foods and drinks are high in calories. Consuming too many of these products will lead to weight gain, even with regular exercise. There is strong evidence showing that excess dietary sugar is a cause of weight gain.

3. Diabetes

There is a link between consuming sugary drinks and developing type 2 diabetes.

It is not true that sugar causes diabetes. A high-calorie diet of any kind can lead to type 2 diabetes.

However, in most cases, diets high in sugar are high in calories. This can increase the risk of diabetes.

4. Tooth Cavities

Sugar consumption can cause tooth decay, which may lead to the development of cavities.

After eating sugar, bacteria in the mouth form a thin layer of plaque over the teeth. These bacteria react with the sugars present in foods and drinks. This reaction triggers the release of an acid that damages teeth.

It is possible for the body to repair some of this damage itself. Over time, however, a diet high in sugar will cause lasting damage. This can lead to tooth cavities. Cavities are permeant holes that form on teeth.

5. Heart Disease

High-sugar diets may increase the risk of heart disease.

The results of a 15-year study suggest that people with a lot of added sugar in their diet are significantly more likely to die from heart disease than people with minimal amounts of added sugar in their diet.

Again, research suggests that sugary drinks may be particularly problematic for increasing the risk of heart disease. This association may be because sugary drinks are high in calories, do not affect hunger, and provide an insufficient amount of energy.

Although there is a clear link, more research will be necessary to better understand the relationship between sugar and heart disease.