Sugar is a product that has been associated with pleasant taste and quick satisfaction since childhood. But it is precisely it, as scientists claim, that is one of the most insidious causes not only of excess weight, but also of serious mental disorders.
Experts from the University of Colorado have established a direct link between excessive consumption of sugar, particularly fructose, and the development of a number of behavioral and affective disorders, from aggression to bipolar disorder and depression.
According to research, sugar consumption increased by 25% between 1970 and 2000, and today it is added to almost all popular products. This hyperavailability has become a real challenge for human evolutionary biology.
What is happening in the body?
Fructose depletes energy levels in cells, triggering a “food-seeking” response similar to starvation. This response is built into our brains as a survival mechanism—ancient humans took risks, showed aggression, and were impulsive in order to obtain food.
In today's world, where food is available almost instantly, this biological program is being turned into a destructive factor. The desire for quick gratification, novelty, and aggressive behavior is no longer a survival mechanism, but a prerequisite for psychological destabilization.
Mental disorders and sugar
Researchers claim that regular consumption of large amounts of sugar may be associated with the development of:
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aggressive behavior,
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manic states,
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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
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depression,
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bipolar disorder.
In addition, the high glycemic index of sugar provokes a hyperactive reaction of the body, which further increases the risks of affective disorders.
Is there a way out?
Scientists advise reviewing your eating habits and avoiding excessive sugar consumption. Giving up sugary drinks, reducing the number of desserts and reading labels are simple steps that can not only reduce the risk of obesity, but also support mental health.
In a world where stress and information overload have become the new norm, minimizing the impact of such "silent enemies" as sugar is no longer just a recommendation, but a necessity.
