Author : Dr. P. D. GUPTA
Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
Every unit of our body needs energy to function and all living thing on the earth uses glucose for energy. Dextrose, fructose and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars Glucose and dextrose are essentially the same sugar. The simple sugars can combine to form more complex sugars, like the disaccharide sucrose (table sugar), which is half glucose and half fructose High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose. Honey is about 53 percent fructose, but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when used in moderation. In vegetables and fruits, sugar is mixed in with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and beneficial phytonutrients,
Brain being the body's powerhouse, needs glucose to function, however, with a permanent increase in blood sugar levels due to too many, too lavish meals and constant snacking on the side, we overload the system and fuel the development of neurologic diseases, particularly dementia and stroke. Stroke and dementia are among the top 10 causes of death. A healthy, active lifestyle with sufficient exercise and sleep, along with the avoidance of harmful substances like alcohol, nicotine, or excessive sugar, protects the brain.
"Of course, the dose makes the poison as the brain; the per capita consumption of sugar was 33.2 kg in 2021/2022, which is almost twice the recommended amount. With a goal of 2000 kilocalories, that's 50 g per day, or 18 kg per year. This total includes not only added sugar but also naturally occurring sugar, such as in fruits, honey, or juices.
What's the Mechanism?
High blood sugar levels damage brain blood vessels and promote deposits on the vessel walls, thus reducing blood flow and nutrient supply to brain cells. This process can cause various limitations, as well as vascular dementia. In addition, glycosaminoglycans, which are complex sugar molecules, can directly impair cognition. They affect the function of synapses between nerve cells and, thus, affect neuronal plasticity.
Twenty years ago, a study provided evidence that a diet high in fat and sugar disrupts neuronal plasticity and can impair the function of the hippocampus in the long term. A recent meta-analysis confirms these findings: Although mental performance improves at 2-12 hours after sugar consumption, sustained sugar intake can permanently damage cognitive function. The Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research demonstrated last year that regular consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods can change the brain. This leads to an increased craving for high-sugar and high-fat foods, which in turn promotes the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Diabetes mellitus can indirectly cause brain damage. Since the 1990s, it has been known that patients with type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk for dementia. It is suspected that glucose metabolism is also disrupted in neurons, thus contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Insulin also plays a role in the formation of Alzheimer's plaques.
Reduce Sugar Consumption
Therefore it is advised to minimizing sugar consumption. This process is often challenging, as even a small dose of sugar can trigger the gut to send signals to the brain via the vagus nerve, thus causing a strong craving for more sugar. "This could be the reason why some people quickly eat a whole chocolate bar after just one piece,". In addition, dopamine, a "feel-good hormone," is released in the brain when consuming sugar, thus leading to a desire for more. In other words.The brain demands more sugar.
"It is wise to break free from this cycle by largely avoiding sugar," "The effort is worth it, as 40% of all dementia cases and 90% of all strokes are preventable, with many of them linked to industrial sugar," It was also found that foods like yogurt (not Indian curd) or tomato ketchup(not homemade) contain sugar, and alcohol can also significantly raise blood sugar levels. (The author has his own study and views)
