Soda May Be Bad for the Brain!

Two new studies – one published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia and one published in Stroke – suggest that excess sugar may damage the brain. Americans consume an enormous amount of sugar; in fact, in 2016, 11 millions metric tons of sugar was consumed, especially in the form of sugary beverages. These two studies show a correlation between sugary beverage consumption and poor memory, a smaller hippocampus (the part of the brain involved in learning an memory), and a smaller overall brain volume. Additionally, those consuming sugary beverages were 3x as likely to develop dementia and strokes. It is important to note that these studies show a correlation, but they do not show a direct cause and more studies are needed. However, it seems obvious that sugar and sugary drinks are potentially very harmful and do not add any nutritional value to our diets. We all should cut back and try to eliminate as sugar from the diet as possible.