05 Nov What sugar is doing to your body and mind.
We all know that consuming too much sugar is not good for us, however, why is eating too much sugar bad for you? Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, a nutrient that provides energy in our diets. If we consume too much sugar our body will likely store it as excess fat which can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Sugar on the mind
Sugar is a highly addictive substance lacking in vitamins and minerals, preventing you from staying nourished and satisfied for longer. There’s a growing amount of research aiming to explain why we continue to crave sugar. According to research, sugar activates a chemical reaction in the brain, triggering the reward centre of the brain through releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine (Freeman, 2018). Through regular consumption, individuals can develop cravings and even withdrawals if attempting to cut down.
How to avoid hidden sugars
Many foods on the market have a significant amount of added sugar, which, when consumed too frequently, can take a toll on your energy levels. This combination of high sugar and low fiber content can result in the consumption of an unhealthy amount of sugar as well as spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, resulting in a rise in energy, followed by a crash.
Sugar can often be found in many foods, so it is important to check the label. We have put together a small list of foods that often have added sugars.
- sauces, including condiments, stir fry sauces, pizza and pasta sauces
- salad dressings
- bread
- yoghurts
- mueslis and cereals
- alcoholic drinks
- iced tea
- and protein bars.
Complete a 4 minute SiSU Health Check to stay on top of your health and lifestyle goals.
Keen to get on the path to owning your own health? Find a SiSU Health Station near you for your free 4-minute Health Check to measure important health metrics empowering you to measure, track and improve your health.
References:
Freeman, C., Zehra, A., Ramirez, V., Wiers, C., Volkow, N. and Wang, G., 2018. Impact of sugar on the body, brain, and behavior. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 23, pp.2255-2266.