Debunking the Myth: Sugar and Brain Activity

You may have heard claims that consuming sugar impacts your brain similarly to cocaine use. Although this sounds shocking, recent research sheds light on the validity of this comparison.

New findings reveal that hyperpalatable foods do not stimulate the brain like addictive drugs. In a study, scientists provided both obese and non-obese participants with an ultra-processed milkshake and monitored their brain activity using PET scans, which can detect dopamine surges associated with drug abuse.

The results showed that the dopamine increase from the milkshake was insufficient for the PET scans to register, regardless of the participants' weight. This doesn't mean that ultra-processed foods aren't addictive or that they don't cause any dopamine release. As previously discussed, factors like the combination of salt, sugar, and fat, along with the texture and speed of consumption, can lead to higher intake of these foods.

However, if you've been told that ultra-processed foods cause brain changes akin to those seen with drug use, the latest research suggests otherwise.