General Health Tips & News


The Sugar vs. Salt Debate


By M.M. (staff writer) , published on May 10, 2022



Medicine Telehealth Health The Sugar vs. Salt Debate


The Sugar vs. Salt Debate

To start with, this is not a debate. Any of these two are harmful to your heath when take in excess. However, we can all acknowledge that sugar is far much worse than salt. Sugar is addictive, harmful, and unhealthy. It is even more addictive than cocaine. The repercussions of eating and drinking too much sugar are seen all over the world. In Brazil for example where the consumption of sugary beverages is on an all time high, more than 80% of their population is obese. It is scary to imagine the length at which sugary drinks and unhealthy processed foods are advertised even in schools.

Salt on the other hand is contentious. While researchers claim that salt is harmful to your health, the amount that is unhealthy isn’t known. While it is possible to completely cut on sugar, we can’t say the same for salt unless you enjoy eating tasteless food.

The body needs salt but it doesn’t need sugar. Salt is used in the body to regulate fluids and also carry different electrical charges in between the body cells. Experts and scientists believed that eating salt causes fluid retention in the body and a build up of pressure in the blood vessels which lead to high blood pressure. Uncontrollable blood pressure can cause major heart problems such as stroke and heart attack. However, scientists put this under scrutiny and the results were different. The 2014 study writers wrote than the link assumed between salt and blood pressure is overrated. It is impossible to find a link between sodium and high blood pressure or cardiac issues.

 

The key is moderation

While one can eliminate sugar from their diet, it becomes impossible sometimes. Some of the highly processed foods we eat contain a lot of added sugars and sweeteners. Fruits contain a lot of sugar masquerading as fructose.

When it comes to salt, some of the processed foods contain added salt as well. Its also very hard to cut salt from your diet. Comparing the two, the key is in moderation. First, cut sugar from your diet as much as you can. Moderate the amount of processed foods you eat to avoid a lot of added sugar and salt in your diet.

 

Which is worse?

The key lies in moderation. However, excess sugar has a much more negative impact on overall health compared to salt. To keep the salt and sugar intake in check, go for nutritious carbs sources such as whole grains and stay clear of refined and processed foods.

 

Sources:

1.https://futureyouhealth.com/knowledge-centre/sugar-vs-salt#:~:text=A%20study%2C%20published%20by%20US,levels%20and%20heart%20disease%20risk.

2. https://www.samhealth.org/about-samaritan/news-search/2018/08/07/salt-vs-sugar-which-is-worse-for-your-health

3. https://www.aedleader.com/salt-vs-sugar/




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