Excess sugar in any form can damage teeth, disrupt blood-sugar levels and raise the risk of metabolic disease, while experts suggest fruit and berries as safer sources of sweetness.
Too much sugar, in any form, can damage health over time, according to Anton Polyakov, a dietitian who spoke exclusively to aif.ru. He said excess intake can harm tooth enamel, trigger sharp rises and falls in blood sugar, increase the risk of diabetes and alter the balance of gut microbes. Polyakov added that people who are already prone to excess weight or obesity should be especially cautious.
Health information from Healthline supports that warning, noting that high sugar intake is linked with tooth decay, weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In its explanation of dental damage, the publication says oral bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that wear away enamel, which can eventually lead to cavities. It also describes how frequent consumption of sugary drinks and other sweetened foods can contribute to inflammation and metabolic problems.
For people who still want sweetness, Polyakov suggested moving away from processed sugar and towards substitutes such as stevia or trehalose, which he described as relatively safe options. He said the best approach is simpler still: rely on fruit and berries for sweetness from natural sources. That advice aligns with wider nutrition guidance emphasising that cutting back on added sugar, rather than simply changing its form, is the most reliable way to lower health risks.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
