\Sugar is a highly discussed topic among nutritionists and in healthcare circles. In modern times, added sugars are everywhere. You may find added sugars in everything from cereal, to smoothies, to granola. 

Sugar has gained a reputation from its widespread use in food products and its negative health consequences if consumed in large quantities. There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding sugar. Keep reading to uncover the real truth! 

Sugar Isn’t Addictive

You may have heard you can get addicted to sugar if you eat it too frequently. However, this isn’t the whole truth. Though there are scientific reviews that point to sugar being addictive in animal populations, the same studies have not yet been carried out with human subjects. 

In short, there’s no concrete scientific evidence that sugar has addictive effects on humans with the current research available. 

Sugar Does Not Directly Cause Diabetes

It’s a common misconception that those who consume a lot of sugar are at high risk for diabetes. However, the actual risk factors for diabetes are more complex. Being overweight or obese greatly increases a person’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

Often, overconsumption of sugary foods can lead someone to become overweight. However, someone who is overweight but does not overconsume sugar is at the same risk of developing diabetes. Sugar is not the direct cause of type 2 diabetes, though it may play a part alongside other lifestyle choices. 

Sugar Does Not Directly Cause Cancer

There’s a lot of speculation about sugar’s role in developing cancer. When cancer grows, the cells reproduce and divide rapidly. This requires a lot of energy, which easy-to-metabolize sugar can provide, which may be where this common myth comes from. 

Conversely, all cells need sugar (and other vital nutrients and acids) to survive. So, starving the body of sugar entirely is not a healthy choice, either. Though the overconsumption of sugar may allow cancer to spread more rapidly, it does not directly cause cancer or directly spread cancer in any way. 

You Don’t Need to Eliminate Sugar Entirely 

There are lots of dieting fads that point to sugar as a key unhealthy component of a diet. Specific dieting regimens, like the Keto diet, suggest you cut out sugars almost entirely from your diet.

 Too much of a good thing is never good – and this statement certainly stands true regarding sugar consumption. However, entirely cutting out sugar isn’t necessarily healthy either. 

Sugar plays a key role in maintaining essential processes in cell division, central nervous system regulation, and more. In short, cutting out sugar entirely can cause new health issues.

As with any other nutritional advice, moderation is always key. It’s best to consume your sugar from natural sources, such as fresh fruit or freshly pressed fruit juices. Artificial sugars certainly carry more risks than natural ones. 

Conclusion

Sugar has gained quite an exciting reputation for itself. Many people believe in the myths about sugar and how it affects them. Most of these beliefs are rooted in an incomplete understanding of how sugar affects us. Suppose you are following the guidelines for the recommended daily value of sugar and try to eat sugar from natural sources. In that case, it is a safe and necessary component of a balanced diet.