If the reason for keeping the size of waist circumference can not help you reduce your sugar intake, then the desire to have smooth skin might encourage your spirit. The researchers believe that excess intake of sugar can make skin dull and wrinkled.
What is the process? This is caused by a natural process known as glycation. In this process, sugar in the bloodstream attached to proteins to form harmful new molecules. This new product known as advanced glycation end products (AGES). The more sugar you consume, the more AGES are formed.
“Once AGES buried, they will damage adjacent proteins, such as the domino effect,” explains Fredric Brandt, MD, a dermatologist in Miami and New York City and author of 10 Minutes 10 Years.
According to Brandt, the most vulnerable components are damaged collagen and elastin, protein fibers that keep skin tight and elastic. In fact, collagen is the most widely proteins in the body.
Once damaged, collagen and elastin are flexible and strong before will become dry and brittle, leading to wrinkles and skin loosening. According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, this aging effect will begin at age 35 and increase rapidly thereafter.
Besides damaging collagen, high-sugar diet also affects the type of collagen you have. Most collagen in the skin, light Brandt, is a type I, II, and III, with type III is typical of the most stable and durable. Glycation process will change the type III collagen into type I, type the most vulnerable.
“As happens, the skin will look and feels less supple,” Brandt said, as quoted prevention site. What’s worse, AGES will disable the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, making the skin more prone to sun damage.
Diabetics
Diabetics, who often have high blood sugar levels are not detected for years, most feel the negative effects of sugar. They often show symptoms of premature skin aging.
“Depending on the level of good in controlling the disease, diabetics often have levels AGES 50 times more than those who do not suffer from diabetes,” explains Karyn Grossman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and Santa Monica, as well as chairman of dermatology at St. division. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica.
The good news, you still can improve sugar-damaged skin. One way is to build new collagen with products that contain retinoids. To keep this new collagen remain flexible, you can prevent the formation of AGES by minimizing sugar intake. Make sure your sugar intake no more than 10 percent of total calorie intake.