Empty calories
The concentration of calories in sugar is only second to fats and oils. The cautionary advise against consuming too much sugar derives from ingesting too many calories and displacing nutritious food with "empty calories.". Refined sugars are devoid of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritients that are important in a healthy diet.
Tooth decay
Certain kinds of Streptococcus colonize the mouth. The bacteria convert sugars into "plaque" carbohydrates, which anchor them to the teeth and form a protective layer. In addition, they also produce defensive acids that damage tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
(Interestingly, phenolic compounds such as are found in chocolate and tea interfere with the adhesion of bacteria to the teeth.)
Blood glucose
The body uses glucose as its primary source of energy. However, glucose is a highly reactive molecule. In excessive quantities, it can damage the eyes, kidneys, and both nervous and circulatory systems. The body controls glucose by removing it promptly from the blood via insulin, which helps distribute it to tissues for energy or storage. Intake of sugar overload stresses the insulin system. Diabetes may result from such strain.
Glycemic Index
Food varies in its content of sugars. The glycemic index measures how much a given food raises glucose levels. The foods that raise blood glucose level the most are ones rich in glucose such as rice, potatoes, and other starchy foods. Table sugar has a slightly lower glycemic index as it is a combination of glucose and fructose. Foods containing fructose have much lower glycemic indeces because fructose has to metabolize through the liver before it becomes available as a source of energy.
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