Tuesday, June 23, 2020

How sugar affects the brain (TED Talk)

Nicole Avena, TED-Ed Talk, Jan. 7, 2014; Sheldon S., Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly


How sugar affects the brain
(TED-Ed) When we eat something loaded with sugar, our taste buds, our gut, and our brain all take notice. This activation of our "reward system" is how bodies process addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol, and carcinogens like nicotine (from tobacco leaves soaked or "cured" in sugar as an addictive preservative). An overload of sugar does a very unhealthy thing. It spikes dopamine levels and leaves us craving more of the dangerous substance. This TED presenter explains why sweets and treats should be abused in moderation, if at all. Lesson by Nicole Avena with animation by STK Films.

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