A recent study published in Nature has shown that consuming sugar after learning can consolidate memory. This research challenges the previous notion that sugar only serves as an energy source, revealing a more complex link between glucose and information retention.
The “demonization” of sugar, as has been done in recent years, making it look almost like a “poison” or the sole culprit of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other diseases, contributes nothing to the discussion. This study, in part, destigmatizes it.
The researchers did an experiment with a group of flies using negative learning. They observed that eating fructose after learning activated specific neurons, which directly affected the formation of memories.
This process occurs even in flies that are already satiated, suggesting a type of “non-homeostatic hunger.”
Research implications
The neuronal activation caused by the ingestion of sugar after a cognitive effort facilitates the release of the hormone thyrostimulin, essential for long-term memory. This finding expands the understanding of how memories are formed and consolidated in living beings.
Although the experiments were conducted in flies, there are parallels in human neurobiology that suggest similar effects of sugar on our memory. Previous studies indicate that glucose can improve certain cognitive aspects, although excessive sugar consumption is not recommended as a learning method.
Definitely, this new approach highlights the importance of the energetic value of food in the learning process and suggests future research on how to optimize memory through adequate nutrition.
Role of glucose in cognitive functions
According to the European Meals Records Data Council (Eufic), “the brain uses more glucose during intense mental tasks and, therefore, it is especially important to maintain an optimal level of blood glucose for good cognitive function, which is achieved by eating regularly.”
This phrase underlines in the context that the cognitive benefit of sugar is not in the consumption of sweets or soft drinks, but in a balanced and continuous food intake that stabilizes blood glucose.
How sugar consumption affects depending on the type of learning
Sugar consumption has complex effects on learning, with predominantly long-term negative impacts, but also short-term benefits on certain cognitive types. Beyond harms such as decreased spatial memory, concentration, and long-term retention, there is evidence of temporary improvements.
Short-term positive effects
Moderate consumption of sugar, such as sucrose in foods or drinks, can enhance mental agility, immediate verbal memory and reaction time. This is because glucose provides immediate energy to the brain, facilitating tasks of sustained attention and basic cognitive processing.
Effects on types of learning
- Declarative learning (verbal/factual memory): Temporary improvement in short retention, but deteriorates with chronic excess.
- Procedural learning (motor skills): It can be initially accelerated by the energy enhancer, although there is no conclusive data beyond the negative.
- Spatial and work learning (hippocampus): Mainly harmed, with lasting damage in children and adolescents.
Mechanisms and considerations
Glucose activates dopamine-related reward pathways, which helps with initial motivation. However, excess glucose causes inflammation, changes the gut microbiome and reduces BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Ingredient), which is better for brain plasticity. In contexts of fasting or mental stress, a specific contribution helps, but high habits lead to addiction and academic deficits. Recommendation: Prioritize complex sources such as fruits for risk-free benefits.
You may also be interested in:
· Identify the foods that cause inflammation
· Chocolate, cheese and yogurt linked to greater longevity
· In search of supreme magnesium: how and when to consume it to obtain the greatest benefit
