Your Brain On Your Brain On... Sugar
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Feb 14, 2024 Delving into the complexities of sugar, the podcast explores its impact on the brain, different types of carbohydrates, and the addictive nature of sugar. The history of sugar consumption, the significance of carbohydrates for health, and discussions on continuous glucose monitors add depth to the conversation. Insights from a nutrition scientist shed light on the implications of sugar and carbohydrates on well-being.
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Sugar Definition
- Sugar is a carbohydrate, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Sucrose, a common type, is a disaccharide made of glucose and fructose.
Sugar and the Brain
- The gustatory cortex processes the sweet taste.
- It's not sugar itself that's harmful, but its pervasiveness and refined forms.
Glucose and the Brain
- Glucose is crucial for brain function; an elaborate system of glucose transporters facilitates its passage through the blood-brain barrier.
- The "sweet tooth" likely evolved as our ancestors favored glucose-rich foods for survival.