Do you really know? Why is sugar bad for our memory?
Feb 25, 2025
Sugar isn’t just a waistline wrecker; it’s a sneaky saboteur of brain health too. Delve into how it affects memory and cognitive function while uncovering hidden sources like fruits and dairy. Discover why we can’t resist it, despite its risks. The discussion also highlights global sugar intake recommendations and the evolutionary reasons behind our sweet tooth. Excess sugar is linked to memory decline and increased dementia risk—definitely food for thought!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sugar Intake Advice
- The World Health Organization recommends reducing daily free sugar intake to under 10% of total energy intake.
- Further benefits are possible by limiting it to under 5%, about 25g (six teaspoons) daily for a 2000-calorie diet.
Sugar Cravings
- Humans are evolutionarily predisposed to crave sweet foods for a quick energy boost.
- The brain's reward system releases dopamine, signaling pleasure and reinforcing sugar-seeking behavior.
Fructose Impact on Rat Brains
- A 2012 UCLA study on rats showed a high-fructose diet slows brain function, impacting memory and learning.
- One group experienced damaged synapses and insulin resistance, suggesting similar effects on human brains.