Sugar avoidance refers to the practice of minimizing or eliminating added sugar from one’s diet. It involves limiting consumption of foods and beverages that contain high levels of refined sugars, such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners. Cutting back on sugar intake offers numerous health benefits, including weight management, improved heart health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced dental hygiene.
Historically, sugar was a rare and expensive commodity. However, with the advent of industrialization and modern food processing techniques, sugar became widely available and inexpensive, leading to its increased consumption and subsequent health concerns. Today, sugar is a common ingredient in many processed foods, beverages, and condiments, often contributing to excessive calorie intake and nutritional deficiencies.