It’s no secret that doctors warn us about sugar. From childhood, we’ve been told to “cut down on sweets” to protect our teeth, manage weight, and prevent diabetes. But there’s another reason why health experts are increasingly pushing us to rethink our sugar habits - our mental health is at stake.
At first glance, sugar seems harmless. It’s everywhere, from the sugary cereal we eat in the morning to the comforting desserts we indulge in after a long day. For many, sugary treats are not just food; they’re a source of joy, a way to celebrate, or even a quick fix for a bad mood.
So, it’s easy to overlook the potential damage. But here’s the thing: while sugar can give us that temporary “high,” it often leads to long-term lows. More and more research is showing that there’s a link between high sugar intake and mental well-being.
This isn’t just about the occasional sugar rush or feeling sluggish after binging on sweets. There’s growing evidence that regularly consuming too much sugar might contribute to anxiety, depression and mood swings. Emerging research suggests a definitive link between high sugar intake and mental well-being.
Regularly consuming excessive sugar might be fuelling feelings of anxiety, depression and mood fluctuations. Alarmingly, while the World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of no more than 30 grams of added sugars (equivalent to about seven teaspoons), reports indicate many South Africans are consuming up to 100 gr.
