7 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Quit Sugar

Cutting down on sugar can help you shed those stubborn kilos, have better immunity, stay happier, and more! We help you (re)discover some key (science-backed) goodnesses...

- Humra Afroz Khan

First up, fact: not all sugars are bad for your body. And, to reap the benefits, you don’t necessarily need to go totally sugar-free. You just have to show ‘bad sugars’ the door, and exercise control.

According to experts, there are two kinds of sugars: natural sugars, like those found in fruits, honey, unsweetened milk and other naturally sweet bestowals. These contain vitamins and minerals. And then there are the refined or free sugars, like those found in fizzy drinks, energy drinks, fruit beverages, etc. These are processed from sugarcane and sugar beets, are high in calories, and have no real nutritional value. Le sigh.

While the former, in moderation, isn’t harmful (unless you have any specific conditions, of course), the latter is bad-baby stuff. The World Health Organisation recommends “a reduced intake of free sugars throughout the life course”, keeping it under 10 percent of total energy intake, for both adults and children. While the American Heart Association’s recommendations for added sugar intake, as mentioned on heart.org too, is “no more than six teaspoons (25 grams or 100 calories) per day for women, and nine teaspoons (36 grams or 150 calories) per day for men”.