New publications
Excess sweets in the diet are very dangerous
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
American scientists claim that in addition to the fact that sugar accelerates the aging of the body, it greatly “undermines” the immune defense and increases the chances of developing cardiovascular pathologies.
For two decades, scientists observed people of different ages and social status. In total, at least 30 thousand people were examined. Based on the results of the study, certain conclusions were made.
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increased by 30% if 10-25% of the kilocalories consumed with food came from simple sugars.
If the amount of kilocalories obtained from simple carbohydrates exceeded 25%, the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies increased almost threefold.
In addition, experts have found that an excess of sweets in the diet over time leads to the inhibition of memorization processes, worsens cognitive abilities, and accelerates the removal of calcium from tissues. The fact is that the body uses calcium to absorb glucose. If there is not enough calcium in food, then the body “removes” it from the tissues for the necessary reactions. This threatens the emergence of problems with the musculoskeletal system, as well as with teeth and nails.
According to statistics, the average person eats about 120 g of regular sugar daily. Over the course of a week, the amount of sugar can be 800-900 g, or even more. Of course, these figures are relative: for some people, this is too much sugar, and for others, too little. Scientists advise: when planning your upcoming diet, you need to make it so that the total percentage of simple sugars is no more than 10% of the total daily caloric intake.
At the same time, employees of the cosmetic corporation Amino Genesis discovered that simple sugar is the main stimulator of the aging process.
Many may argue that the aging process is inevitable. But it is unlikely that anyone will be able to accept their own aging so easily. It is not for nothing that scientists around the world are making every effort to slow down such processes in the body. Previously, premature aging was associated only with lifestyle errors, the influence of free radicals, intoxications, etc.
Today, experts have come to the conclusion that age-related changes originate from the destruction of protein structures. Such a reaction is a consequence of the impact of "excess" sugars. And this reaction is called "glycation". Sugar particles disrupt protein and fat bonds, which leads to deformation of structures and the release of toxic substances that change intracellular metabolism.
Collagen fibers are also a protein that affects the smoothness and elasticity of human skin. Collagen is particularly sensitive to such processes. As a result of glycation processes - wrinkled, edematous and pigmented skin at a relatively young age.
Scientists are currently working on further studying glycation. Their goal is to develop drugs that can slow down and prevent tissue aging – in particular, to help patients with diabetes.
[