What Happens to Your Body When You Cut Down on Sugar? Experts Explain

Added sugar enters the body through everyday foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, sweets, soft drinks and processed foods. Experts say cutting down on added sugar can help reduce daily calorie intake and support weight management, while also helping improve insulin sensitivity and control triglyceride levels. Foods high in added sugar can cause blood glucose levels to rise rapidly and then fall, which may contribute to tiredness. Replacing such foods with whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits can help provide more consistent energy and essential nutrients.

However, experts advise against completely eliminating naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits. Avoiding fruits may reduce the intake of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. According to the World Health Organization, free sugars should account for less than 10% of total daily energy intake; for a person consuming about 2,000 calories a day, this is roughly 50 grams. Reducing the intake to below 5% may provide additional health benefits. Therefore, rather than eliminating sugar entirely, limiting added sugars and following a balanced diet is considered a more practical approach.

Note: This information is provided for awareness purposes only. If you have any health issues or doubts, please consult a doctor and follow their advice accordingly.