Did you know that there are serious sugar impacts on human brain when you consume it in excess? Despite bringing the feeling of pleasure and energy, it is important to be careful with exaggeration.
According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the daily consumption of sugar should not exceed 5% of the energy value. This means that the maximum recommended intake is 25 grams.
However, in a single can of soda, for example, there are more than 40 grams of sugar. An amount well above what is advised by the WHO.
But after all, what are these damages that sugar brings when consumed in excess? Below we have listed some of the impacts of sugar on your brain. Follow right now!
Processed sugar and “good” sugar
It is likely that you took various types of sugar and they all turn into glucose. Natural sugar, for example, is commonly found in fruits, beans, and whole grains.
However, although there is sugar in these foods, they are still nutritious, full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and proteins, substances that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Therefore, it is the “good” sugar.
In turn, processed sugar, extracted from sugarcane, is found in the form of sucrose, a mixture of fructose and glucose. Thus, it is present in cereals, cookies, soft drinks and other foods.
In addition, this processed sugar is found in some foods that are not even considered sweet, such as sauces, microwave meals, and others.
Despite turning into glucose and being a source of energy for the body, processed sugar has no nutrients, in addition to being responsible for raising blood sugar levels.
For this reason, to consume too much sugar can generate a number of problems, such as diabetes, weight gain and premature aging.
Sugar impacts your brain
Now that you understand the difference between processed sugar and “good” sugar, it’s time to check out the impacts of sugar on your brain. Follow below!
depression and anxiety
When consumed, sugar alters dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for the sensation of pleasure, which makes your body associate that consumption with something pleasurable and pleasant.
However, soon after, there is a drastic drop in sugar in the body, as its action is very fast, thus generating symptoms such as:
• Mood swings;
• Mental confusion;
• Tiredness;
• Irritation.
Then, the problem is so serious that you start to feel depressed and anxious because of the excessive consumption of sugar.
Impairs memory
In addition to causing anxiety and depression, sugar impairs memory and compromises learning.
A study done at UCLA found that mice that ingested more sugar within a certain period had brain damage. The research proved that the sugar exaggeration harmed the cells.
The reason for this is that the mice developed “insulin resistance”, a pathology that promotes uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which impact the brain.
Therefore, one of the impacts of sugar on your brain generates memory damage and significantly compromises the learning process.
Mood swings
In addition to everything you’ve seen here, several studies show that foods that have a lot of sugar and carbohydrates negatively influence the neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining balanced mood.
The serotonin, which controls mood, moderate sugar intake. However, excessive consumption depletes neurotransmitters.
It’s addicting
Some studies also show that sugar is as addictive as the worse drugs. Therefore, its consumption can often be similar to a drug addiction.
As we mentioned earlier, sugar brings the sensation of pleasure, affecting an area of the brain called the ucleus accumbens.
In a 2013 study, scientists even found that mice reacted to the Oreo cookie the same way they reacted to cocaine.
Also, curiously enough, the mice consumed the cream from the cookie first, just as some humans do too.
Is sugar really bad?
As the brain uses glucose to provide energy for the body, it is essential that it is properly nourished. So, not all sugar is bad.
However, processed sugar does not have good nutritional value or benefits for the body.
This doesn’t mean that you have to cut sweet foods of your daily menu, the ideal is adequate the amount of sugar to a balanced diet.
Conclusion
There are many impacts of sugar on your brain, but the solution is not always to give up this substance. However, it is It is possible to reduce consumption to reduce the chances of problems.