BREAKING THE SUGAR SPELL AND CONSUMPTION

Sugar is a ubiquitous ingredient in our modern diet, found in various forms in many food and beverage products. While small amounts of sugar can be part of;  Balanced Diet, Excessive Sugar Consumption etc. especially among children and adults, sugar consumption level can have detrimental effects on overall health of an individuals.

Understanding the Recommended Sugar Consumption Levels for Children and Adults and It Effects on the Body

Therefore, maintaining and getting awareness of recommended consumption levels is crucial for both children and adults. It’s Excessive intake can have a negative impact on various body systems, making conscious choices to reduce added sugar consumption, individuals can promote better health and long-term wellness for themselves and their children. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to sugar intake.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines regarding the recommended sugar consumption for children and adults.

Sugar Consumption Recommendations for Children

The children aged 2 to 18 consume no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day. Added sugars refer to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing, preparation, or consumption. This includes sugars from sources such as soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies, and fruit juices. The emphasis is on reducing the consumption of added sugars rather than natural quantity found in whole fruits.

Sugar Consumption Recommendations Adults

For adults, added sugar intake to no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for women. These recommendations are based on a daily caloric intake of 2,000 calories.

Effects of Excessive Sugar Consumption on the Children

1. Weight Gain and Obesity
   Consuming excessive amounts can lead to weight gain and obesity. High intake contributes to increased calorie consumption without providing significant nutritional value. The excess calories are often stored as fat, leading to weight gain over time.
2. Dental Health
   Frequent and excessive consumption can contribute to dental cavities and tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to oral health problems.
3. Risk of Chronic Diseases
   A diet high in sugar is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Excessive sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, and inflammation, all of which contribute to the development of these conditions.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
   Consuming foods that is high in added sugars content often displaces nutrient-dense foods from the diet. This can result in nutritional deficiencies, as these foods typically lack essential vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
5. Energy Levels and Mood
   While it provides a quick burst of energy, it can also lead to energy crashes and mood swings. Rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

The specific Impact of Excessive Sugar on both Children and Adult Brain

• Impaired Cognitive Function
  Excessive consumption can have detrimental effects on cognitive function, affecting individuals of all ages. Higher level of it’s intake is associated with decreased memory performance and reduced cognitive flexibility in both children and adults. The brain relies on a balanced supply of glucose for optimal functioning, but an overabundance of sugar can disrupt this balance, leading to impaired cognitive abilities.

• Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders
  Consuming excessive sugar has also been linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders. High-sugar diet may contribute to the development and exacerbation of conditions such as anxiety and depression. This is due to the impact of sugar on neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain, which can disrupt mood regulation and lead to mood swings and depressive symptoms.

• Addiction and Reward Pathways
  Sugar can activate the brain’s reward pathways, triggering a similar response to that induced by addictive substances. This effect is particularly pronounced in children, whose developing brains are more susceptible to addiction. Excessive intake can lead to a cycle of cravings and overconsumption, potentially increasing the risk of obesity and related health problems.

• Impaired Brain Development in Children
  The impact of it’s excessive consumption is particularly concerning during critical periods of brain development in children. High sugar intake during early childhood may impede cognitive development, including learning abilities and memory formation. Furthermore, it may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral problems.

• Increased Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
  Emerging evidence indicates that excessive consumption may contribute to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, later in life. Chronic high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired insulin signaling in the brain, potentially accelerating the progression of these conditions.

Conclusion
While it is an essential source of energy for the brain, excessive consumption can have detrimental effects on cognitive function, mental health, and overall brain health. Both children and adults should be mindful of their sugar intake and strive to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. By reducing added sugars and opting for healthier alternatives, individuals can protect their brain health and support optimal cognitive function throughout their lives. Anyways, it should be noted that high level of it’s intake if it seems it has a negative effect, then do you think the negativity of it’s content does not have a positive impact of human social behaviour?  Do you ever see the positive aspect of the intake on your productivities daily, we are going to consider the factors.

PICTURE CREDIT:

The Guardian Life | https://guardian.ng/life/sugars-that-add-no-calories/

TheAsianParent | https://sg.theasianparent.com/effects-of-sugar-on-kids