How sugar boost intellectual performance?

Can sugar boost intellectual performance?


Glucose is a major fuel source for the brain, but you don't need to consume sugar to get more appropriate and better intellectual performance. Learn more in this article!


Until recently, many people incorrectly believed that sugar boosts intellectual performance. However, recent research has questioned this claim. Scientists now know that the body has a very effective mechanism to supply glucose to the brain without being fed sugar.

The brain relies on constant glucose supply from the bloodstream to maintain proper functioning. Therefore, when glucose levels fall, you must compete with other organs in the body to get glucose from each other. In this case, the following mechanism occurs.


  • First, glucose is extracted from the blood.
  • Next, the amount of glucose received by the rest of the body's cells is limited.

On the other hand, if the blood sugar level decreases due to lack of food intake, the body gets this nutrient in another way. The main mechanism for this is gluconeogenesis. It consists in the formation of glucose from proteins and fatty acids.

Overall, this is an effective mechanism that allows the body to maintain safe blood sugar levels when fasting or when a person is not getting enough carbohydrates.



Sugar intake and Memory

Some studies have linked sugar intake to short-term memory improvement. This type of intake is usually achieved by drinking a sweet drink, and the results show that intense mental tasks respond well to glucose administration. 

Until recently, experts have argued that the brain works optimally when it has 25 grams of glucose in the bloodstream (approximately the amount of banana contains). However, looking at more recent articles, it was concluded that people with better glucose tolerance had a better memory.

This situation is essential if you develop insulin resistance, such as diabetes, that cannot withstand glycemia. Therefore, the body has a very effective mechanism to obtain glucose from proteins and fatty acids to maintain blood sugar levels. In this way, the brain receives an adequate amount of glucose to ensure effective intellectual performance.

On the other hand, studies have shown that sign language has a significant impact on intellectual performance. Therefore, even slight dehydration decreases the ability related to memory, concentration, and attention.

Are refined sugars worse than complex carbohydrates?

Several articles claim that eating refined sugar results in short-term memory loss after consumption. In addition, studies have shown that sugar intake can sometimes lead to cognitive impairment and the development of complex diseases.

On the other hand, the incidence of ADHD is higher in adolescents following a diet rich in saturated fat and refined sugar, compared to those following a healthy diet.

Food that boosts intellectual performance

Monosaccharides can negatively affect cognitive function, but other nutrients can improve brain function. One example is that a moderate amount of caffeine can act as a natural stimulant and help promote and maintain brain health.

In addition, nitrite present in foods such as sugar beets increases vasodilation, allowing blood to flow to the brain. This means that the brain is supplied with more nutrients and thus intellectual performance is improved.

In addition, some vitamins, such as vitamin C, can have a positive effect on mental ability and health. This vitamin helps prevent cognitive decline, such as that seen in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Can sugar really boost intellectual performance?

Glucose is the brain's main source of fuel. However, it is not necessary to eat sweet food to ensure proper brain function. This is because the body already has a very efficient mechanism that allows enough glucose to reach the brain to maintain brain function.

In addition, if you consume a lot of sugar, there is a real risk of cognitive function deterioration and complicated diseases. Therefore, it is best to eat a healthy, balanced diet to improve intellectual performance and brain function. Also, if you need a quick boost, you can eat foods rich in vitamin C and nitrite, for example.
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