Sugar rush

Shanica Blair, Gleaner Writer

"That glazed cheese cake, is calling my name. Oh yes it is indeed. It looks so sweet, smooth, soft and full of strawberries. I long to taste that smooth cream cheese in my mouth, giving me a rush of pleasure and energy, making everything okay, even when it isn't." How many of us have gotten this intense feeling for something sweet at the most random times, especially on a miserable or boring day, or, worse, late at nights? Longing for the comfort of something sweet and filling to help you relax is a feeling everyone has at some point, especially when it comes around to Valentine's Day each year.

Why are we so addicted to sugar and why, after probably a few weeks without eating sugar we suddenly have an intense urge to eat something sweet?

For Judith, who was born in England, it was the norm for her mom to be always bringing home something sweet or chocolatey for her. Likewise, there is always something sweet in the fridge and kitchen for her to eat, whether it's chocolate, sweets, cake etc. "I am always eating something sweet, I have a sweet tooth I guess. I love the rush that sweet things give me, along with the fact that it improves my mood. I especially like something sweet after my meals. Sometimes I find that if I go days without chocolate or something sweet I do become a little bit moody," she stated.

According to registered dietitian Marsha N. Woolery, the taste for sugar is acquired from infancy, with the premature introduction of sugar or sweet foods. As we get older, sugar-sweetened foods and snacks form a part of our diets. There are persons, who after consuming a meal, have the urge to eat "something sweet". The body needs sugar in the form of glucose for energy. The preferred source of energy is carbohydrates. The brain, muscles and red blood cells can only use glucose for energy, hence the importance of carbohydrate-rich foods in the diet.

Dr Donald Gordon told Food that sugar is pleasant to the taste while providing you with an extra boost of energy and it also releases certain types of chemicals called endorphins. When endorphins are released, they are very pleasurable as this provides a kick of energy and a pleasurable sensation. It might be similar to taking drugs and then extend and develop into an addictive behaviour towards sugar, which might be harmful if too much is consumed.

"Chocolate, on the other hand, has sugar, fats, and other nutrients that are good for the body as well, but can be just as bad for your health if too much is consumed. Chocolate is appealing to many because it is pleasant to the taste, it is seen as a symbol of love when given to another. The packaging is always attractive and appeals to the eyes and emotions, the texture is delicate on the palette, as well, and is sometimes seen as an aphrodisiac because of the chemicals that it releases in the brain," Gordon told Food.

SYMBOL OF LOVE

Sugar-sweetened foods are consumed at times, especially by females, to make them feel better. Some sweet treats are also offered on special occasions as a symbol of love and affection, like on Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries and as a means of making up when things are sour in relationships.

According to Wollery, "When it comes to Valentine's Day, I kind of get excited because all I can see is chocolate everywhere and then certainly after Valentine's the prices of these are going to decrease, so I stock extra after Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is a favourite for me, because I love chocolate and chocolate is the face of love," Judith disclosed.

Woolery ended by warning persons that consuming too much sugar may result in weight gain, because excess sugar is stored as fat and increases one's chances of becoming obese, which may also lead to the development of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

The recommendation is to consume small amounts of sugar-sweetened foods for better health. Here are a few tips:

Do not add sugar, honey, molasses or glucose to the meals of an infant, such as porridge and formula.

Eat smaller pieces of cakes, puddings, pies and pastries.

Use less sugar when preparing dishes that require sugar or any form of sweetener.

Drink more water and less juice.

Eat more whole fruits.

Eat more unrefined starchy foods such as yam, dasheen, potatoes and green banana.

For this Valentine's Day, offer chocolate-coated fruits or fresh fruits to loved ones as a healthy alternative.