Everyone is aware of the negative effects of eating too much sugar (hint: diabetes, obesity etc.). But what about the mental consequences?
A new study published in Scientific Reports has shown that men who consume at least 67 grams of added sugar daily, are at greater risk of developing mental health disorders over the next 5 years than those with lower consumptions.
The World Health Organization recommends adults and children reduce their daily intake to 25 grams to gain maximal health benefits.
Anika Knüppel and her colleagues conducted their study over a period of 22 years, with more than 10,000 male and female participants. They found that men who consumed at least 67 grams of added sugar from processed food and drink were 23% more likely to develop mental health problems than the ones who consumed less than 39.5 grams of sugar daily.
Surprisingly, no such linkage was found within female participants.
Knüppel et al.’s study is the latest of many suggesting a strong association between sugar intake and mood disorders.
Sadly, it looks like you can’t have your cake and eat it too…unless you’re a woman!