What Exactly Is Sugar—and Why Are We So Hooked?
Share
Sugar is everywhere—from your morning muffin to that sneaky “healthy” granola bar. But what is sugar, really? And why does it seem to have such a hold on us? Let’s break it down.
1. Sugar 101: The Basics
“Sugar” is a general term that includes many types of simple carbohydrates. The most common ones in food are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Table sugar? That’s sucrose, made up of glucose and fructose bonded together.
While sugar naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables (which come with fiber and nutrients), added sugar refers to the stuff manufacturers add to foods and drinks—think sodas, pastries, and candy.
Harvard Health – Added sugar in the diet
2. How Sugar Affects Your Body
When you eat refined sugar, it’s quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, causing a spike in blood glucose. Your body responds with a surge of insulin to bring those levels back down, often leading to a crash. This rollercoaster ride can lead to fatigue, irritability, and cravings for more sugar.
Over time, excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related conditions.
Health Canada – Sugars and your health
3. Why It’s So Addictive
Sugar activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine—the same feel-good chemical triggered by activities like exercise or social connection. The problem? The more sugar you eat, the more your brain craves it. This can lead to a cycle of dependency.
NCBI – Sugar addiction: is it real?
4. Not All Sweeteners Are Equal
Some “sugar-free” snacks use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol. While these don’t spike blood sugar in the same way, they can cause digestive discomfort and aren’t whole foods.
Cleveland Clinic – The Truth About Sugar Substitutes
5. So… What’s the Sweet Solution?
Whole-food sweeteners like dates provide natural sugars, but they come packaged with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. That means slower absorption, better digestion, and no nutrient loss.
Swapping refined sugar for dates isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, sustainable shift for your body and your taste buds