The danger of sugar for the brain : stress , depression ... (part 1)

It is well known, sugar is bad for the line and for the heart. But what was unknown was that it also had a negative effect on the brain. Several studies point out that overconsumption of sugar alters both the cognitive functions and our psychological well-being.

Of course, in small quantities, there is nothing to worry about. But most of us consume too much: we find them in 74% of the industrial dishes sold in supermarket, under different names (glucose, fructose, honey, corn syrup, etc.). The World Health Organization advocates not to exceed 5% of daily caloric intakes.

While it is not difficult to understand why sugar makes us addicted, we must really be aware of the risks that high sugar diets pose to our brain function and mental well-being.

Here is some information about the dangers of this overconsumption for our brain.

1-Sugar generates irrepressible cravings

Like any food, it activates the taste receptors located on the tongue. These send signals to the brain to activate the reward system and release hormones like dopamine. Gold sugar "takes control of this reward system," says neuro-scientist Jordan Gaines Lewis. Stimulating his brain from time to time with a square of chocolate is very pleasant and probably harmless. But when you do it too often, it ceases to be trivial.

"Overactivation causes a whole series of adverse reactions, such as irrepressible cravings, or becoming less sensitive to over-consumption of sugar," neuro-scientist Nicole Avena told a TED conference. Studies have shown that the brain of obese children reacts differently to sweet, and that their reward system is more developed. Which would predispose them to feel their whole life strong desires for sugar.