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Tuesday 21 January 2014

How sugar affects the brain - Nicole Avena

Let's Begin…
When you eat something loaded with sugar, your taste buds, your gut and your brain all take notice. This activation of your reward system is not unlike how bodies process addictive substances such as alcohol or nicotine -- an overload of sugar spikes dopamine levels and leaves you craving more. Nicole Avena explains why sweets and treats should be enjoyed in moderation


Graham

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The taste of sugar is addictive. Is it just me or are certain peoples addiction levels or cravings higher than others? If this is so then it must make it harder to reduce what is seen as bad for the body.

Roy

Galina L. said...

It is individual. I know people who are sugar addicts at different degrees, my late aunt was total carbohic. I am crazy about salty flavors like prosciutto, dried salamis, tomato-based sauces, olives. It is one of reasons LCarbing doesn't leave me feel deprived. Another reason - it kills excessive appetite. Many report that LCarbing diminishes cravings for sweets as well in time. I guess for the people with a serious sweet tooth sugar substitutes could be helpful. There are compromises like bakers chocolate melted with cream and sugar substitute made into truffles, or cakes made with almond flour. Almond flour can cause a weight gain in my case, so recently I made first time in my life coconut cookies with a little bit of almond flour added - my husband ate it before the oatmeal ones I made specifically for him.

Anonymous said...

Like Galina I have found that since I now low carb my need to eat sugar has diminished.

Anne

SC said...

@Galina: Instead of a sweet tooth, you have a savoury tooth. :)

Very interesting video. It gives you pause when you think about the well-intention parents "rewarding" their childrens' good behaviour with sweet "treats".

Anonymous said...

SC yes, I also thought what are parents doing rewarding good behaviour with sweets. A bit like going to the dentist and being given a sweet as a reward.Mixed up or what.

Sue