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September 07, 2025
Why we’re born addicted to sugar, according to a neuroscientist
Telegraph: Dr Nicole Avena has spent the past 25 years studying sugar consumption.
**Why We’re Born Addicted to Sugar, According to a Neuroscientist**
We all know the allure of a sweet treat. From childhood birthday cakes to comforting desserts after dinner, sugar seems to hold an almost irresistible pull. But why is that? According to Dr. Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist who has dedicated the past 25 years to understanding our relationship with sugar, this craving is more than just a preference; it's deeply ingrained in our biology from birth.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr. Avena explains that our inherent attraction to sweetness stems from our evolutionary past. For our ancestors, sweet flavors were a reliable indicator of safe, energy-rich foods. Ripe fruits, naturally high in sugars, provided essential calories for survival. This association between sweetness and sustenance became hardwired into our brains.
But what makes sugar potentially addictive? Dr. Avena's research focuses on how sugar impacts the brain's reward system. When we consume sugar, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine reinforces the behavior, making us want to repeat the experience. Over time, repeated sugar consumption can lead to changes in the brain similar to those seen with addictive substances.
This doesn't mean that everyone who enjoys a sugary treat is necessarily addicted. However, Dr. Avena emphasizes that some individuals are more susceptible to the addictive properties of sugar than others. Factors such as genetics, stress levels, and individual differences in brain chemistry can all play a role.
The neuroscientist's extensive research highlights the importance of understanding the biological basis of our sugar cravings. While completely eliminating sugar from our diets may not be realistic or even necessary, awareness of its impact on the brain can empower us to make more informed choices. By understanding why we're drawn to sugar, we can develop strategies to manage our consumption and maintain a healthier relationship with this ubiquitous ingredient. Dr. Avena's work underscores the need for ongoing research into the complex interplay between our biology and our dietary habits.
We all know the allure of a sweet treat. From childhood birthday cakes to comforting desserts after dinner, sugar seems to hold an almost irresistible pull. But why is that? According to Dr. Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist who has dedicated the past 25 years to understanding our relationship with sugar, this craving is more than just a preference; it's deeply ingrained in our biology from birth.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr. Avena explains that our inherent attraction to sweetness stems from our evolutionary past. For our ancestors, sweet flavors were a reliable indicator of safe, energy-rich foods. Ripe fruits, naturally high in sugars, provided essential calories for survival. This association between sweetness and sustenance became hardwired into our brains.
But what makes sugar potentially addictive? Dr. Avena's research focuses on how sugar impacts the brain's reward system. When we consume sugar, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine reinforces the behavior, making us want to repeat the experience. Over time, repeated sugar consumption can lead to changes in the brain similar to those seen with addictive substances.
This doesn't mean that everyone who enjoys a sugary treat is necessarily addicted. However, Dr. Avena emphasizes that some individuals are more susceptible to the addictive properties of sugar than others. Factors such as genetics, stress levels, and individual differences in brain chemistry can all play a role.
The neuroscientist's extensive research highlights the importance of understanding the biological basis of our sugar cravings. While completely eliminating sugar from our diets may not be realistic or even necessary, awareness of its impact on the brain can empower us to make more informed choices. By understanding why we're drawn to sugar, we can develop strategies to manage our consumption and maintain a healthier relationship with this ubiquitous ingredient. Dr. Avena's work underscores the need for ongoing research into the complex interplay between our biology and our dietary habits.
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