The One Thing You Need to Stop Sugar from Ruining Your Brain
You have probably heard it said over and over again that sugar is bad for you. You need to kick sugar to the curb if you want to lose weight and feel better. But did you know that sugar doesn’t just do a number on the size of your clothes, but also on your brain?
Your Brain is Suffering
Sugar is damaging your brain more than you realize. A UCLA study found that sugar has a direct correlation to your brain’s inability to learn and to remember. Do you remember cramming for a school test late at night and grabbing a sugary drink or snack to keep you awake? Unfortunately, that choice probably wasn’t helping you remember the things you needed to know.
The study also showed that increased sugar intake caused increased resistance to insulin. You have probably heard that term in relation to diabetes. Insulin is what helps you regulate your blood sugar levels. With increased resistance comes more chance of developing issues like diabetes, etc. So not only is your brain suffering from the sugar, but so are the receptors that need to control the very thing that is hurting your brain.
Oh no! I eat sugar! Is my brain fried?
No, there is good news! Thankfully the study had a silver lining. You have a food superhero that is willing to step in and save the day.
Omega-3: Your Brain's Best Friend
Omega-3's are a fatty acid. This is good fat that you find in flax oil, fish oil, chia seeds, walnuts, supplements, etc. This oil helps protect the synapses in the brain. Remember how sugar caused the receptors that help you to think properly and remember things to be impaired. Well, omega-3's are the ones building those receptors up and keeping them functioning in good condition. Think of sugar as the enemy army coming to tear down your brain's internal communication system and omega-3's are your army stage to defend those lines of communication.
Making omega-3 a part of your diet will help your brain to keep healthy and strong. Of course, limiting the amount of sugar that you enjoy also will make a significant impact as well. Always be aware of how much sugar you are consuming. Even foods you wouldn't expect to contain sugar, often have higher levels than you would expect. The same study said "the average American consumes roughly 47 pounds of cane sugar and 35 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup per year". That's a lot of sugar! Unfortunately, much of that sugar may even have been consumed without realizing. Check your label and, when possible, make your own food so you can control the amount of sugar you are taking in.
Avoid Sugar and Eat Fat
The best way to a healthy brain? Avoid as much sugar as possible. Eating fresh fruit, which does contain sugar, isn't not as much of worry. But when choosing between options, opt for a whole fruit over a juiced fruit. The whole fruit provides other nutritional benefits, like fiber, along with the small dose of healthy sugar your brain needs for energy. Now cupcakes and cookies, on the other hand, are best to be avoided.
Even foods you wouldn't expect to contain sugar, often have higher levels than you would expect.
When in doubt:
1: Read labels and know how much sugar you ingest
2: Choose to eat less sugar
3: Enjoy omega-3's daily for brain health
With a few simple changes, you can give your brain the boost it needs. Why let sugar take control of your brain? If you want to give your thoughts and memory a boost, show sugar the door.