What Is Worse For Your Health - Sugar Or Salt?

This human body needs sugar and salt for certain purposes. For instance, our brain needs sugar for energy and muscles need salt to contract. If consumed in large quantities, these can cause health issues. This article investigates what is worse for blood pressure - sugar or salt. Go through the article to understand in detail and make a decision on your diet. The difference has been divided under the following:

1. Sugar

The question is on refined and added sugar and not on natural ones. If you are taking sugary beverages like sweet tea, coffee and soda, you are cutting down on nutrients. If you are over consuming them then keep in mind that these are gateways to obesity and nutrient deficiencies. If you are taking high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar and evaporated cane sugar, you are bringing in similar effect on your body. Their consumption can lead you to high blood sugar levels thus, producing insulin. High level of sugar consumption leads to weight gain. The sugar consumption paves way to type 2 diabetes, high risk of glaucoma (leading reason behind kidney failure), heart attack and stroke. Excessive sugar also has effect on metabolism and this may result in high blood pressure, insulin resistance, increased fats, obesity, and high cholesterol.

2. Salt

Healthy people need a moderate amount of salt in their diet. But, excessive consumption of salt may end up in long term health issues. Also, processed salt provides lesser nutrients. As per experts, it is important to understand that some people over a certain age (like plus 50) are sensitive to salt. It is important to understand that sodium affects in certain manner to certain people. Sodium causes hypertension that may result in heart failure, stroke etc. So consumption of salt is recommended to be moderate. Excess of sodium eventually ends in cirrhosis, kidney diseases and heart failure. Sodium makes the body retain water that enhances blood volume, thus, making the heart work more to move blood, and put pressure on the arteries.

As per experts, when you take both salt and sugar in moderation, they will not adversely affect your health. But, as they say, excess of anything is harmful so it is upto you how you consume salt and sugar. Though, as per some medical experts, sugar is considered more risky than salt. There is just one thumb rule - keep a track on the consumption levels. If you want to control your eating habits then focus on nutrient rich diets and avoid processed salt and sugar. Take carbs like milk products, whole grains, fruits.

You should avoid taking junk food as they are high on calories, fats and processed salt and sugar. Also, take consultancy with a dietitian or a nutritionist who can elaborate on different types of food and their value. In case, you are obese or suffering from any disease related to heart, it is strongly recommended to take advice from your doctor. Always eat in moderation and make sure, you notify your doctor if you eat something beyond a certain limit.

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