Sugar is everywhere!
And it can be addicting, like a drug, or sexual behavior.
"Sugar causes dopamine to be released, though not as violently as drugs," says Nicole Avena, a research psychologist and neuroscientist who broke down the effects of sugar on the brain in a recent TED video. (TED is a nonprofit whose acronyms stand for "Technology, Entertainment, Design.")
Why do you crave dessert or candy?
Avena says eating sugar activates the sweet taste receptors in the tongue, which in turn activates the brain's reward system.
"That warm fuzzy feeling you get when you taste grandma's chocolate cake. That's your reward system saying 'Mmm Yes.' And it's just not activated by food. Over-activating this rewards system kick starts a series of unfortunate events: loss of control, craving and increased tolerance to sugar," Avena says.
The video shows that your brain will start demanding sugar if you keep eating sugary items. So how do you stop? Limit your sugar intake and don't overindulge.
Says Avena: "Too much too often and things can go into overdrive. Overconsumption of sugar can have addictive effects on the brain."