I try to avoid processed sugar mainly because the addictive, empty calories make me feel yucky and cause I know about all the health risks associated with sudden spikes of insulin levels. Not even mentioning the unnecessary weight gain in the form of body fat. Processed sugar doesn’t just exist in the obvious places like candy, pastries, snacks, cereals, frozen treats, etc. You can also find it in weird places like sandwich bread, condiments, pasta, frozen meals, and meal replacements bars, just to name a few. And we all know how bad sugary drinks and sodas are for you. Not only have numerous studies proven that processed sugar makes us gain unhealthy weight, but the evidence is right before our eyes when we connect this country’s obsession with and consumption of processed foods with the obesity epidemic.
So all that bad news, you’ve probably already heard of, but there’s yet even another reason to avoid processed sugar, that many people don’t know about. Sugar is terrible for the appearance and health of your skin. A friend of mine who’s an Aesthetician told me sometimes she calls it “sugar-face” and can spot one a mile away. I have to admit, I didn’t know it was a thing, and to be honest it’s not my kind of thing to call people names, however I find it interesting how aestheticians are now finally noticing the effect a diet high in sugar has on our skin. Let’s just hope a “sugar-face” won’t become another common mean name like “meathead” for example.
I did notice a significant improvement in my own skin after I broke up with sugar. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’m getting any younger, I’m still getting some wrinkles on my face, but the cellulite on the back of my legs has disappeared once I turned to low-carb lifestyle.
I looked around for some interesting write-up on this topic until I found a great
article from Fitness Rx for Women written by Jennifer Haley, MD, FAAD, who’s a board-certified dermatologist with a degree in Nutrition Science from Cornell University. That sounds like a girl who knows her stuff.
In the article Dr. Haley explains that when you eat excess processed sugars, the sugar attaches to protein in your bloodstream causing the protein fibers to become “stiff and malformed”. The byproducts of this attachment process are called advanced glycation end products, or (aptly named) AGEs.
Dr. Haley goes on say, “AGEs accumulate in the collagen and elastin of your skin, causing it to become thin, discolored and rigid, resulting in sallowness, wrinkles and sagging. Furthermore, AGEs deactivate your body’s natural antioxidants, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage and environmental toxins.” To sum it up, sugar makes you look old!
Dr. Haley also talks about how sugar causes inflammation in the body. That kind of “total body inflammation” can cause “rashes, rosacea and acne breakouts”. Dr. Haley goes on to cite a couple of studies that prove reducing sugar drastically in your diet can significantly reduce acne flare-ups. So if you’re acne-prone and eat a fair amount of processed sugar, try eliminating it from your diet and see if it helps.
What about you? Have you ever eliminated processed sugar from your diet? Did you notice a difference in your skin or any other area of your health? If so, I’d love to hear your story. LMK in the comments!
Private Member |
chicago, illinois
I know this is an older post but I would like to comment. Hi Z, you have truly inspired me to be more aware of what I put in my body.
For the past 4 years I have slowly been gaining fat. I was religiously consuming protein powders because that is what someone trying to gain muscle was supposed to do right? Yet I did not know that I was doing more harm to my body. When I started to follow you on BR years ago I was eating whole foods and saw major results but the moment I switched to eating more carbs and adding more supplements I have not been able to drop the fat,
Private Member |
chicago, illinois
After reading this post I decided to investigate a bit more on the supplements I am currently using. I use QUEST protein because according to the market it is low carb and low sugar. Today I was researching the ingredients and to my surprise they are all harmful for the body. It has GMO sugar and starch. It mean that yes it has no calories but the body can not digest it. Then now I understand why I feel bloated and even constipated after drinking it. I also get headaches. After reading more on the side effects of these ingredients I have decided to discontinue all supplements because they all contain additives.
Private Member |
chicago, illinois
I also want to add that Hemp protein is the best quality protein out there, because it only has one ingredient which is Hemp Seeds and it is not GMO. I got carried away with my comment but I just wanted to add to Z’s point. I always thought that certain things are healthy just because people say it is but its all propaganda.