Researchers at Virginia Tech caution that many people naturally seek sweet foods, a tendency that plays out strongly around holidays such as Easter. Americans spent more than $5 billion on Easter candy in 2024, illustrating how available sugary treats are in the modern environment.
Brenda Davy, a professor in the human nutrition, foods, and exercise department at Virginia Tech and a registered dietitian, links added sugar to adverse health outcomes. She says added sugars are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, weight gain and lower overall diet quality. Major health organizations recommend keeping added sugar below 10% of daily calories; for a 2,000-calorie diet this equals about 200 calories of added sugar, roughly seven or eight marshmallow Peeps. Davy adds that the limit should be lower for children because high-sugar foods can displace nutrient-dense options needed for growth and development.
Alex DiFeliceantonio, an assistant professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, explains why people seek sugar: the brain relies on glucose as its main fuel and therefore favors behaviors that keep that fuel available. He notes that combinations of sugar and fat, such as those found in chocolate candy, are especially rewarding to the brain. Both experts warn that long-term excess sugar intake can raise the risk of increased weight and type 2 diabetes, which in turn can increase inflammation (including in the hypothalamus) and are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Choose nutrient-dense carbohydrates instead of candy.
- Monitor the amount of added sugar in foods and drinks.
- Keep holiday treats occasional rather than a daily habit.
Difficult words
- tendency — a natural leaning to behave in a certain way
- added sugar — sugars added to processed foods and drinksadded sugars
- metabolic — relating to the body's chemical processes
- cardiovascular — relating to the heart and blood vessels
- nutrient-dense — high in vitamins, minerals and healthy calories
- glucose — a simple sugar the brain uses for energy
- inflammation — the body's immune response causing swelling or pain
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could you apply the article's advice to manage sweet treats during a holiday celebration? Give specific examples.
- The article says high-sugar foods can displace nutrient-dense options for children. Why is that a concern, and what steps could caregivers take?
- The experts link excess sugar to possible cognitive decline later in life. Do you think reducing sugar now could affect long-term brain health? Explain your view with reasons.
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