All articles tagged with #sugar
A systematic review of 27 rodent studies finds that switching from unhealthy high-fat, high-sugar diets to healthier foods can improve hippocampus-dependent memory, but recovery is incomplete and sugar may limit full restoration compared with never-exposed controls.
Drinking soda every day delivers a short-lived caffeine-and-sugar energy boost but can cause gut discomfort and, in the long term, belly fat and higher risks of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney problems and brain inflammation; even diet soda isn’t risk-free due to artificial sweeteners—consider replacing it with sparkling water or infused drinks and taper caffeine gradually while staying hydrated.
Germany’s debate on a sugar tax notes that replacing sugar with sweeteners can reduce calories in the short term, but long-term effects on weight, metabolism, the gut microbiome, and cardiovascular health are unclear. Some substitutes may alter the microbiome or promote metabolic changes, and erythritol has been linked to higher cardiovascular risk in some studies. Stevia shows a comparatively favorable profile, but robust long-term data are lacking. The article urges tempering sweetener use, focusing on gradual sugar reduction, and prioritizing whole fruits and natural foods over sugary substitutes.
Dr. Stacy Smalley, a Louisiana internist, shed 94 pounds by cutting added sugar after a blunt remark from a patient convinced her to try a 90-day sugar-free plan. She explains how sugar hijacks the brain and fuels cravings and describes improvements in energy, mental clarity, and blood sugar, along with a lowered diabetes risk. Her approach centers on meals with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, with practical tips like the velvet rope method to avoid temptations, carrying strategic snacks, avoiding artificial sweeteners, and using fruit to satisfy desserts. She emphasizes forgiveness after setbacks and notes the brain relief from reducing sugar can resemble GLP-1 medications, offering readers an accessible path to begin with small changes.
Dietitians flag ten sugar-heavy beverages to avoid or sip sparingly: fruit juice (even 100% juice), sweetened iced tea, sugary coffee drinks, soda, sweetened plant-based milks, pre-made alcoholic drinks, premade smoothies, premade protein drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks. They recommend healthier swaps such as whole fruit, diluted juice or water, unsweetened teas, plain coffee, seltzer with a splash of juice or lemon, unsweetened plant milks (or soy milk), water, homemade smoothies with protein, and sugar-free options. The guidance also references daily added-sugar limits (men up to 36 g, women up to 25 g, or no more than 10% of calories).
A neuropsychology study found that when people expect sugar, artificially sweetened drinks feel more pleasant and trigger stronger reward-area brain activity, suggesting labeling like “diet” or “low-calorie” can shape taste experience beyond the actual flavor. The research used a small, healthy sample and varied cues about sugar versus sweetener, highlighting the potential impact of expectations on eating and indicating a need for larger studies to confirm broader implications.
A veteran rheumatologist argues that sugary, ultra-processed breakfasts may trigger inflammation in many patients, with protein-rich, minimally processed morning meals often reducing symptoms; the claim is based on clinical observation rather than randomized trials, prompting critique and calls for pragmatic, personalized nutrition research.
A Nature Metabolism review argues that fructose acts as a distinct metabolic signal that promotes fat production and energy depletion, beyond simply adding calories; its effects may drive obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, and the authors highlight endogenous fructose production and rising free-sugar intake as ongoing health concerns.
Megyn Kelly’s interview with Dr. Paul Saladino and Mark Sisson highlights a shift in nutrition thinking: updated guidelines emphasize whole, unprocessed foods and protein at every meal, while limiting processed foods and added sugars. They argue unprocessed red meat isn’t the enemy when prepared simply, warn against nitrates in processed meats, and note that most carbs convert to glucose, making sugar the real dietary culprit. They advocate moderation and metabolic flexibility, citing a March 2026 Swedish study linking unprocessed meat to better cognitive trajectories in some high-risk groups.
A health writer undertook six weeks without added refined sugar (natural fruit sugars allowed) to test effects on energy, cravings and mood; she experiences steadier energy, disappearance of the post‑lunch slump, and craving reductions after about three weeks, notes sugar’s ubiquity and a dopamine-driven addictive loop, and after six weeks decides to limit sugar to weekdays with occasional weekend treats, finding even a chocolate cookie tasted too sweet.
Bob Mould reunites Sugar after more than 30 years, reflecting on Copper Blue’s breakthrough, the Nirvana era, and the Cobain death that sparked a hiatus; the band recorded two new tracks for the reunion and will tour Europe and the US, with Mould aiming to simply enjoy the moment rather than pushing new Sugar material right away.
A study found that adults’ preference for sweet taste stays stable even after six months of varying sweetness intake, suggesting that simply cutting back on sugar doesn’t curb cravings; experts advise addressing underlying triggers, fueling properly with protein, and delaying or balancing treats rather than forbidding them.
A six-month randomized trial found that changing how sweet foods are in people's diets did not alter their craving for sweetness or improve health markers like weight, heart disease risk, or diabetes risk. The researchers argue that public health guidance should focus on reducing overall sugar and calorie intake rather than simply cutting sweetness.
Dietitians say a balanced breakfast with protein, fiber and healthy fats stabilizes blood sugar and keeps you full through the morning; avoid high-sugar, ultra-processed or refined-carb breakfasts (like donuts or sugary cereals) as they cause insulin spikes and energy crashes. Opt for meals like eggs or Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, oats with fruit and nut butter, and healthy fats from avocado or olive oil, plus whole grains and fortified dairy or plant milks to boost nutrients. Reducing morning sugar can lead to steadier energy and fewer cravings.
RFK Jr. used a rally to press Dunkin’ Donuts for safety data on the high sugar content of iced coffees, prompting pushback from Massachusetts leaders while supporters defend the chain; Dunkin’ has not yet commented, and Kennedy continues to frame the issue within his health-focused push for “real food.”