There’s no such thing as a sugar rush

There’s no such thing as a sugar rush.

In fact, the exact opposite has been proven. According to a new study conducted by the University of Warwick, Humboldt University of Berlin and Lancaster University, sugar not only does not improve mood, it can actually make you more tired and less alert.

The study found the consumption of sugar-sweetened products to have no beneficial effect on any aspect of mood; it found sugar to lead to lowered alertness within 60 minutes of consumption and increased fatigue within 30 minutes.

Those needing a quick boost of energy have long reached for sugary drinks or sweet treats. Not only is this junk food not giving consumers the jolt they’re hoping for, their health is also taking a hit.

“The rise in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in recent years highlights the need for evidence-based dietary strategies to promote healthy lifestyle across the lifespan. Our findings indicate that sugary drinks or snacks do not provide a quick ‘fuel refill’ to make us feel more alert, “said Dr. Sandra Sünram-Lea of Lancaster University.

University of Warwick Professor Elizabeth Maylor added, “We hope that our findings will go a long way to dispel the myth of the ‘sugar rush’ and inform public health policies to decrease sugar consumption.”

To view the study, “Sugar rush or sugar crash? A meta-analysis of carbohydrate effects on mood,” click here.

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