In an article published in The Quint, Arnab Ghosh, an Indian-based lawyer turned business intelligence consultant turned chef, has explained why men should try to avoid sugar.
Most people rely on processed foods for meals and snacks. And these products are often loaded with added sugars, which can make up a large proportion of daily calorie intake.
Several studies have suggested that sugar could cause multiple ill effects, affecting both the physical and mental health of men.
Here are 5 reasons why men should ditch sugar, according to The Quint, an Indian-based news outlet.
- Heart Disease
Consuming large amounts of added sugars reduces high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and increases triglyceride levels, which could eventually increase the risk of heart disease. Too much sugar can make you obese, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association says heart disease affects a greater number of men than women.
- Prostate Cancer
In the United States, prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is also the second-highest cause of mortality after lung cancer. Cancer cells thrive when excess sugar is consumed, making it one of the major sources of energy for malignant cells.
- Erectile Dysfunction
Sugar can affect men’s sex drive as well as erectile function. Men with high blood sugar often have trouble getting or sustaining an erection. And studies have even shown that high blood sugar is one of the major causes of erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes.
- Depression
Diet rich in added sugar and processed foods may increase your risk of developing depression. Studies have even shown that elevated blood sugar causes mood swings, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and inflammation, which may have an impact on mental health.
- Type 2 Diabetes
Persistent high-sugar consumption leads to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance increases your blood sugar levels, which further increases your risk of diabetes. The article was originally published in The Quint.
