Sugar often carries a blanket negative health connotation. But our brains need carbohydrates for everyday energy. The term “sugar” is often used in a broad and imprecise manner, often encompassing a wide range of carbohydrates — without distinction. This oversimplification overlooks the nuanced roles and effects of different types of carbohydrates on our health. In this episode, we aim to dissect and clarify these complexities, focusing on: • What sugar actually is, and how it affects our brains in different ways depending on how we consume it • The critical role of carbohydrates for our health, and the differences between various forms and their impacts • Whether sugar is really as addictive as drugs We explore the history of sugar, and discuss how it ended up in almost everything we see on supermarket shelves. Plus, we speak to Dr Alan Flanagan, an esteemed nutrition scientist and founder of Alinea Nutrition. His insights shed light on the current scientific understanding of sugar and carbohydrates, providing a deeper analysis of their implications for our well-being. ‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai. ‘Your Brain On... Sugar’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 3 CONTEST To celebrate the launch of our new podcast, ‘Your Brain On’, we’re giving away prizes to its earliest listeners — like you! Prizes include memberships to our thriving NEURO Academy community, and bundles, like our Better Brain Cooking Box, Books Bundle, and Better Brain Favorites Box. To enter, all you’ll need to do is subscribe to Your Brain On, leave an honest review of the show on Apple Podcasts, and then sign up for the contest at thebraindocs.com/podcast. LINKS Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com Instagram: @thebraindocs Website: TheBrainDocs.com More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast GUEST LINKS Alan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritionaladvocate Alinea Nutrition: https://www.alineanutrition.com/