Experts at Virginia Tech say many people naturally seek sweet foods, and that tendency matters during holidays such as Easter. Americans spent more than $5 billion on Easter candy in 2024, according to the National Confectioners Association.
Brenda Davy, a professor and registered dietitian, links added sugar to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, weight gain and poorer diet quality. She notes that health organizations recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories. For someone who needs 2,000 calories a day, that equals about 200 calories of added sugar—roughly seven or eight marshmallow Peeps. Davy adds the limit should be lower for children because high-sugar foods can displace nutrient-dense options needed for growth.
Alex DiFeliceantonio explains that the brain depends on glucose as its main fuel and therefore favors behaviors that keep that fuel available. He says long-term excess sugar can lead to increased weight and, in some people, type 2 diabetes. Those conditions can increase inflammation, including in the hypothalamus, and high blood sugars and type 2 diabetes are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The experts advise choosing nutrient-dense carbohydrates, monitoring added sugar intake, and keeping holiday treats occasional rather than regular.
Difficult words
- tendency — natural habit or usual behavior
- added sugar — sugar or sweeteners added to foodadded sugars
- registered dietitian — a professional who advises about food and nutrition
- metabolic — related to the body's chemical processes
- cardiovascular — related to the heart and blood vessels
- nutrient-dense — food that has many nutrients for few calories
- glucose — a simple sugar that cells use for energy
- inflammation — the body's response to injury or infection
- hypothalamus — a brain area that controls body functions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you try to limit added sugar during holidays like Easter?
- What nutrient-dense carbohydrates could someone choose instead of candy?
- Should children eat fewer high-sugar foods during holidays? Why or why not?
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