The immune system can be weakened by the consumption of sugar. The white blood cells are adversely affected by excessive quantities of sugar in the blood. The process of phagocytosis is reduced. A high level of sugar in the diet can cause the digestive system to over work in order to prevent the sugar from entering the bloodstream too quickly. The pancreas, an endocrine system organ, is also over worked in order to produce enough insulin for the sugar to be processed properly.
Sugar affects the brain's biochemistry and can cause nervousness and stress.
Obesity may result from a diet high in refined sugar, as it is high in calories. All plants and animals store sugar for energy. The sugars our birds are biologically adapted to come from natural substances produced by photosynthesis in plants. The main sugars used in bird food manufacturing are a liquid made from corn or a white sugar called sucrose. Corn syrup and corn sugar, also called dextrose or glucose, are popular because their sweetness and thickness can be regulated.