10 Signs You Are Eating Too Much Sugar

6. Poor Memory

Growing research has linked a diet heavy in sugar to an increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While the connection between the brain and sugar consumption has been a relatively accepted theory for some time, recent research has made this theory even more convincing. One study conducted at Boston University School of Medicine found that, out of over 4,200 people, those who consumed a higher amount of sweetened drinks had a reduction in their overall brain volume and poorer memory.

Another study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke found that those with similarly high consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks had an increased risk of stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While these studies don’t necessarily confirm the link between sugar and loss of cognitive function, they are profound enough to make people think twice before ingesting too much sugar.

As Sudha Seshadri, Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine, says: “It looks like there is not very much of an upside to having sugary drinks, and substituting the sugar with artificial sweeteners doesn’t seem to help.”

A sugary beverage is alright to enjoy every once in a while but, as with all unhealthy foods, they’re best to consume in moderation. They have no protein, fiber or other nutritional qualities, and are just as bad for the brain as they are for the rest of our body. So if you’re tempted to quench your thirst, the best thing you can do is enjoy a glass of water or herbal tea instead.