We're well aware of its negative impact on our waistlines and heart health, but sugar also takes a toll on our brains. And it's not just found in the obvious sources like refined sugar from sugarcane or sugar beet – it's lurking in fruits as fructose and in dairy as lactose. 

Back in 2015, the World Health Organisation released guidelines recommending adults and children “reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake”, to remain at a healthy weight. The agency also said additional benefits could be yielded by going below 5%. That translate to around 25g, or six teaspoons, of free sugars per day, for a person consuming 2,000 calories.

Why do we crave sugar so much despite the associated health risks? And how exactly does sugar affect brain function then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 26/2/2024

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