Nutrition
During the holidays, do not abuse sugar
Sugar, in the form of glucose, is one of the most important energy resources for the activity of the cells of our body, in general, and for the cells of the brain, the neurons. This organ consumes approximately 20% of the energies that are derived from the sugar of the whole organism.
Some of the most important cognitive functions, such as memory, are strictly related to glucose levels. Without the necessary levels of glucose, the brain can not produce the necessary amount of neurotransmitters necessary for the proper functioning of the brain.
Similarly, the level of blood glucose has been linked to the levels of attention and other cognitive functions.
Do not exaggerate with the consumption of sugar
Despite the importance of glucose for the proper functioning of the brain, an exaggerated consumption of sugar and an excessive level of glucose in the blood can have adverse effects.
L'OMS recommends that, if free sugars are ingested (free sugars are the monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods by manufacturers, chefs or consumers themselves, including sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, juices of fruit and concentrates of fruit juice) contribute less than 10% of the total energy needs. In addition, improvements in health can be observed if they are reduced to less than 5%. This ratio is equivalent to less than one 250 ml glass of sugary drink per day.
A study conducted in the state of Washington followed more than 2,000 people over the years and revealed that high levels of blood glucose had negative effects on brain health in aging. Specifically, high glucose levels were associated with a greater risk of developing dementia both in people with diabetes and in people without this diagnosis.
Besides dementia, there is solid evidence of the relationship between high blood glucose levels and the risk of cardio-vascular accidents. In the case of brain health, a relationship with stroke risk can be established.
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