Sugar may be downright irresistible but it can be easily named as one of the most damaging ingredients for our health. Of course all sugars are not created equal. As part of well-balanced diet, specific sugar - for example derived from fruits, grains and whole fresh foods - is not worrisome. But added sugars from processed foods and beverages are nothing but extra calories providing little or no nutritional value. When it comes to understanding the side-effects of consuming too much sugar, weight gain is considered the number one factor along with the increased risk of diabetes. But extra calories, weight gain and diabetes risks are just the tip of the iceberg.

Heavy workloads, meeting tight deadlines, care giving, financial worries. Stress has invaded our daily lives in many forms. We can withstand occasional bouts of extreme stress, which can actually be a good thing by motivating us to take meaningful action.

But what happens when we are frequently or continually exposed to such environmental stressors? It takes a toll on our health. Stress plunges the body towards poor health and premature aging.

Scientists warn us that it is important to find ways to manage and reduce chronic stress in our lives or else risk the onset of many age-related diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, depression and even cancer.