The Good and Bad of Sugars

Sugar can be addictive as cocaine, even though it's one of the most critical substances to human life

We already know that sugar is not a healthy option for most people, but new information suggests there are those industries that want to hide its negative health effects. Shutterstock

Known as “the sweetest killer” and “a poison more addictive than drugs,” sugar is consumed by virtually everyone. According to Dr. Heather Moday, a U.S. immunologist, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sugar is the worst food for your immune system.

What Exactly Is Sugar?

Sugar is a food that everyone is very familiar with, and it’s ubiquitous in our lives. We need sugars to maintain our health, and they can also bring us relaxation and pleasure. However, sugar is like a double-edged sword that can also damage our health if left unchecked. So, what exactly is sugar?

Sugar is an umbrella term for a large group of carbohydrates. They’re naturally occurring in many foods, but are added in substantial quantities in many processed foods.

Glucose

Glucose is one of the body’s two key energy sources. The other is fat. Glucose is sometimes known as blood sugar when it’s measured inside the body. It’s an energy-supplying substance that the human body and brain can directly utilize. Excess glucose is stored in the body in different ways. It can be converted into liver glycogen and muscle glycogen and then released into the blood to supply energy when needed. It can also be converted to fat.