The Addictive Nature of Sugar

Things you should know about sugar:


  • According to research, when a person consumes too much sugary food and drink, the liver begins to convert some of that fructose to fat. This fat can lead to an increase in dangerous LDL cholesterol that can form plaque in the arteries.
  • [Sugar] causes a euphoric effect that triggers dopamine, the chemical that controls pleasure in the brain.
  • People who are obese have fewer dopamine receptors in a brain region called the striatum, which is also a characteristic of people who are addicted to drugs. 


Here are some articles and videos (eg. Ted Talks) I've seen over the last few years that have really helped me realize the dangerous and addictive nature of sugar and why I need to be more cautious about my sugar intake over healthy fats. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/sugar-addiction-drug_n_4173632.html

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/18/brain-imaging-confirms-food-addiction.aspx

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/researcher-sugar-addictive-cocaine-obesity-diabetes-cancer-heart-disease-article-1.1054419

Jamie Oliver's Ted Talk on Obesity and Food (9:00 starts the talk about food at school, which I find absolutely horrific) www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOPl8P2S-Lw





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