The purpose of this report is to investigate what sugar can do to the body and brain.
Sugar can be good and bad, but it’s in everything. Such as fruits and vegetables, basically all
food has sugar. It has been linked to cause obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease. But in any food it has Glucose and our bodies need that for energy, but when it’s
been added to sweets and beverages it has a different impact on a person’s health than the
same sugar supplied by a piece of fruit.

We know that too much sugar is bad for our waistlines and our heart’s health, but now
there’s mounting evidence that high levels of sugar consumption can also have a negative
effect on the brain – from cognitive function to psychological well being. While sugar is
noting to be too concerned about in small quantities, most of us are simply eating way too
much of it.



Background

When a person consumes sugar, just like any food, it activates the tongue’s receptors. Then
signals are sent to the brain, lighting up reward pathways and causing a surge of feel-good
hormones, like dopamine to be released. Sugar “hijacks the brain’s reward pathway. It
hinders learning and memory by literally slowing down the brain. Heavy sugar intake causes
the person to develop a resistance to insulin – a hormone that controls blood sugar levels
and also regulates the function of brain cells. Insulin strengthens the synaptic connection
between brain cells, helping them to communicate better and thereby form stronger
memories

Brain functions such as thinking, memory and learning are closely linked to glucose levels
and how efficiently the brain uses this fuel resource. If there isn’t enough glucose in the
brain, for example, neurotransmitters [the brain’s chemical messengers] are not produced
and communication between neurons breaks down. In addition, hypoglycaemia, a common
complication of diabetes

Sugar sends a message to the brain, activating its reward system. It has the same effect as to
hanging out friends, drinking or drugs. This reward system is a series of electrical and
chemical pathways across several different regions of the brain. The main chemical involved
in this is Dopamine, the receptors are sent into overdrive causing the person to constantly
seek that “high” effect. The result is addiction. Sugar causes a similar reaction, although it’s
not nearly as extreme as other addictive substances. Whenever we eat food, Dopamine is
released in the brain. However, after eating the same food time after time, the dopamine
levels begin to even out and we no longer find the dish as satisfying as we once did. The
human brain has evolved to motivate us to eat a wider variety of foods. This is to ensure
that humans receive a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals, while also helping us to
steer away from the dangerous rotting food.

Sugar can be good and bad, for the good side it gives energy to the cells but as for the bad
side it increases the risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart conditions.

Discussion

Sugar can mix with anything, such as caffeine for coffee, coca cola and other foods. it’s all to
give the body energy. people use it as an energy booster every day [just don’t give it to the
kids, or else they’ll be up all night]

the brain reacts to Sugar using its reward system or aka releasing dopamine. that doesn’t
mean people can eat it by itself, the brain is designed to react to different foods.
sugar is dangerous however, studies have shown that it has the same ‘addictive power’ as
other drugs but not so severe.

The sugar from fruits will get into the bloodstream at a steady rate as the fruits digest in the
stomach. fruits also provide great sources of vitamins, minerals and fibres, so sugar that
comes from fruit is great for your brain and body.

refined sugars and brain functions are a big no-no. these are sugars that on the shelves, the
sugar energy will flood the bloodstream with glucose straightaway. at first it’s an initial
‘sugar high’ as the sugar queues serotonin, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel
happy, to be released into the brain. the massive increase in blood sugar signals the
pancreas to start pumping out large amounts of insulin. once the insulin gets into the
bloodstream it soaks up the sugar to store for later use, depriving the brain,other organs
and muscles of energy. this is the beginnings of the infamous ‘sugar crash’ while we need sugar for brain and body functions, we all should be careful about where and often we get our sugar.

Conclusion

Overall, Sugar has good and bad benefits. the candy type of sugar gives us fuel but can also
increase some serious health risks, so people just have to keep an eye on how much sugar
they consume.

Public Education Piece

My public education piece is a presentation to advise the general public of the information learned during this research assignment.

References

C.G, 7\4\15, huffingtonpost.com.au, http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/sugar-brain-mental-health_n_6904778

http://www.medicaldaily.com/how-does-sugar-affect-your-brain-turns-out-very-similar-way-drug
s-and-alcohol-295034 Medical Daily Dovey , D.D , July 25 th 2014

http://www.ifbb.org.uk/the-brain-mental-health/sugar-fat-and-brain-function/
The Institute for Food, Brain and Behaviour, N.D

http://articles.mercola.com/sugar-side-effects.aspx mercola.com Dr. Mercola N.D

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/effects-of-eating-too-much-sugar-2014-3

www.businessinsider.com.au Lauren F Friedman, march 13 th , 2014, 6:37am

http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/glucose-mental-performance/

http://www.brainhealthandpuzzles.com/sugar_and_brain_function.html