Shocker! How SUGAR can save your brain

Now that I have your attention, you may be wondering…

Haven’t you said before that sugar is BAD for me?

Make no mistake, processed and refined sugar is NOT good for you (and I haven’t been shy about this).

But I’ve also said that you shouldn’t CUT all sugar from your diet, either.

I’ll get into the right kind of sugars for your health in a bit…

But first, I have to tell you about a study that proves your body NEEDS sugar – especially for your brain!

Researchers from Japan found that improving your glucose uptake (the main sugar found in your blood) in your BRAIN can help you live a longer and healthier life!

Now, this doesn’t mean that you should start guzzling sugar.

But it does mean that your brain NEEDS the right kind of sugar to stay in tip-top shape as you age.

You see, your brain uses A TON of energy. In fact, studies have found that your brain consumes 20% of the oxygen and a quarter of the glucose your body takes in.

And to keep everything working properly, your body uses glucose to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – which is the fuel for your body’s main source of energy.

But as you age, your brain cells become less capable of making ATP… which means you must maintain healthy glucose levels to continue the production of ATP.

In other words, consuming healthy sugars regularly actually FUELS your brain.

But like I said earlier, this is NOT a green light to start downing sugar with reckless abandon.

Maintaining a healthy diet with a good mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts is the best way to ensure your brain has the right amount of glucose.

For instance, foods like apples, blueberries, almonds, and spinach are all great options.

A general rule of thumb is to also avoid processed foods that are loaded with refined sugars – like cakes, cookies, and ice cream.

There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a sugary treat every once in a while, it’s best to steer clear from eating these on a regular basis as they do cause inflammation (moderation is key!).

If you’re concerned about your glucose levels, your doctor can order a simple blood test to determine what those levels look like.

And if you have diabetes (or a history of high blood sugar), be sure to speak to your doctor about a glucose uptake plan appropriate for you.

To not all sugars being bad for you,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Melore, Chris. “Don’t cut the sugar? Improving glucose uptake in the brain may lead to longer lifespan.” https://studyfinds.org/dont-cut-sugar-glucose-uptake-may-lead-to-longer-lifespan/