Sometimes, we crave a sugary drink to give ourselves a mid-afternoon treat. No harm in a little bubble tea, a fizzy energy drink, or an ice-cold coffee frappe right? Wrong! You may already know that consuming sugary drinks in excess may lead to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, not to mention cavities or tooth decay1. But did you know that high-sugar drinks can also impact your mental health?
What you eat and drink affects your brain. High-sugar foods affect your brain by messing up your insulin regulation, brain function, and mood2. On the other hand, nutrient-packed foods and low-sugar drinks may protect your brain from free radicals that damage cells.
Studies have found that regularly eating highly processed and sugar-heavy food and drinks is linked to low mental health symptoms4.
One study found that a 100-gram a day increase in sugar intake was correlated with lower mood4. Another noted that having two cups of soda a day can begin to increase the risk of lower mood, while three cups drastically increases that chance10.
The daily recommended sugar intake for men sits at about 36g, while women are suggested to keep to 25g9.
Low mood can result in:
To address these problems, one study proposed taking less sugary drinks for a healthier lifestyle and better mental health4.
How much sugar might be hiding in our beverages? Energy drinks (not to be confused with sports beverages) are highly popular drinks that claim to boost alertness and energy. However, these have been found to contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine. To put this into perspective, a 355ml cola drink has 39 grams of sugar, while an energy drink has 41 grams5. Bubble tea can have up to 40 grams as well. That’s already more than the recommended daily intake!
Healthier options for your beverages include water, black coffee, pure tea, and drinks like NutriWell. These beverages have little to no sugar added6.
Despite the appeal of sugary drinks, there are alternative healthy beverages with less sugar. NutriWell’s lower-sugar drinks are made with carefully chosen natural ingredients with no added preservatives.
NutriWell’s line of lower-sugar, natural and preservative free soy milk beverages are excellent alternatives to add to your daily routine. These include NutriWell Purple Rice Soy M!lk and NutriWell Oat and Quinoa Soy M!lk.
Soy milks are associated with a range of health benefits including a smaller risk of heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers7,8. In addition, NutriWell’s soy milks are a great-tasting source of calcium and vitamin D3, but without additional colourings, or preservatives.
What you put into your body affects your state of mind. Research has shown that ingesting too much sugar can aggravate anxiety and low mood.
When this happens, it’s important to listen to your body and practice self-care. Move more, nourish your body with better food and drink, and even ask for a mental health day.
Remember, the mind and body are highly intertwined, so take care of your physical and mental health with the right nourishment.
Live Better with NutriWell.
Sometimes, we crave a sugary drink to give ourselves a mid-afternoon treat. No harm in a little bubble tea, a fizzy energy drink, or an ice-cold coffee frappe right? Wrong! You may already know that consuming sugary drinks in excess may lead to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, not to mention cavities or tooth decay1. But did you know that high-sugar drinks can also impact your mental health?
What you eat and drink affects your brain. High-sugar foods affect your brain by messing up your insulin regulation, brain function, and mood2. On the other hand, nutrient-packed foods and low-sugar drinks may protect your brain from free radicals that damage cells.
Studies have found that regularly eating highly processed and sugar-heavy food and drinks is linked to low mental health symptoms4.
One study found that a 100-gram a day increase in sugar intake was correlated with lower mood4. Another noted that having two cups of soda a day can begin to increase the risk of lower mood, while three cups drastically increases that chance10.
The daily recommended sugar intake for men sits at about 36g, while women are suggested to keep to 25g9.
Low mood can result in:
To address these problems, one study proposed taking less sugary drinks for a healthier lifestyle and better mental health4.
How much sugar might be hiding in our beverages? Energy drinks (not to be confused with sports beverages) are highly popular drinks that claim to boost alertness and energy. However, these have been found to contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine. To put this into perspective, a 355ml cola drink has 39 grams of sugar, while an energy drink has 41 grams5. Bubble tea can have up to 40 grams as well. That’s already more than the recommended daily intake!
Healthier options for your beverages include water, black coffee, pure tea, and drinks like NutriWell. These beverages have little to no sugar added6.
Despite the appeal of sugary drinks, there are alternative healthy beverages with less sugar. NutriWell’s lower-sugar drinks are made with carefully chosen natural ingredients with no added preservatives.
NutriWell’s line of lower-sugar, natural and preservative free soy milk beverages are excellent alternatives to add to your daily routine. These include NutriWell Purple Rice Soy M!lk and NutriWell Oat and Quinoa Soy M!lk.
Soy milks are associated with a range of health benefits including a smaller risk of heart disease, stroke, and even some cancers7,8. In addition, NutriWell’s soy milks are a great-tasting source of calcium and vitamin D3, but without additional colourings, or preservatives.
What you put into your body affects your state of mind. Research has shown that ingesting too much sugar can aggravate anxiety and low mood.
When this happens, it’s important to listen to your body and practice self-care. Move more, nourish your body with better food and drink, and even ask for a mental health day.
Remember, the mind and body are highly intertwined, so take care of your physical and mental health with the right nourishment.
Live Better with NutriWell.
