After author, physician, and businessman Peter H. Diamandis called sugar “poison,” the controversy around its health effects has heated up. His assertion, which he has made often throughout the years, begs the question: should we give up our beloved sweets? The richest person in the world, billionaire Elon Musk, recently entered the discussion and offered a novel viewpoint on the sugar controversy.
Musk tweeted, “Um no, cyanide and arsenic are poisons, whereas sugar is edible,” in response to Diamandis’ assertion. A candy store doesn’t have a heap of bodies outside, lol. Nevertheless, sugar should only be used in moderation and on occasion. Musk used his own experience to inject comedy into the discussion, saying, “I eat a donut every day.” still living.
Although Musk’s tweet implies that sugar is not intrinsically harmful, his focus on moderation strikes a chord with medical professionals everywhere. Knowing the possible health hazards of consuming too much sugar is the main point of contention.
What Is Too Much Sugar?
Moderation is emphasized in health standards. The American Heart Association states that males should consume no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) of added sugar per day, while women should consume no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons). In the same way, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises consuming less than 10% of daily calories from free sugar, with further reductions to 5% for added health advantages.
This corresponds to no more than 50 grams (about 10 teaspoons) of sugar per day for an average adult who consumes 2,000 calories daily.
The Dangers of Consuming Too Much Sugar
Although sugar isn’t actually poison, excessive intake has been connected to a number of health problems. Numerous studies highlight its significance:
Obesity: A 2015 WHO study that examined 30 studies discovered a clear connection between sugar-filled beverages and childhood and adult obesity.
Type 2 Diabetes: According to a 2012 University of California research, those who regularly consume sugary drinks have a 26% increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: In 2010, Harvard researchers discovered that women who drank sugar-filled beverages were more likely to develop heart disease.
Cognitive Health: A 2018 University of Southern California study found that youngsters who consume a lot of sugar have worse memory and cognitive abilities.
Mental Health: A 2018 University of California study found that eating a lot of sugar was linked to higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Gut Health: A 2019 study from the University of Michigan discovered that eating a lot of sugar was associated with abnormalities in gut microbiomes.
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A 2013 Yale study found that rats fed high-fructose corn syrup developed insulin resistance and obesity.
Why Moderation Is Important
One important lesson from Elon Musk’s opinions is that sugar is not always bad as long as it is eaten in moderation. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of eating a balanced diet that complies with international health guidelines.
