Fuelling the brain safely for better memory and concentration

How does sugar affect memory and concentration?

Consuming sugary drinks and starchy foods might give us a quick burst of energy, but soon we feel sluggish and tired. Children also get a ‘sugar rush’ after drinking sugary beverages or eating cookies and candy bars, only to feel grumpy when it wears off.

Consuming large amounts of sugary foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels that increases insulin output. The insulin surge then triggers a drop in blood glucose levels, making us hungry again quickly and causing a dip in energy that makes it hard to concentrate.

The problem increases as we age: insulin resistance can impair the glucose supply to the hippocampus, which controls memory function in the brain. What starts as a few lost memories can signal that Alzheimer’s is near.

The good news is that poor brain function and early-stage dementia can be improved. By choosing healthy foods that contain Dr Coy’s sugars and flours, we can ensure a steady supply of energy to the brain. Along with the stabilization of the blood glucose level, insulin resistance can be reduced and after a while the insulin resistance is gone. As a result, sugar can be utilized as important fuel for the brain and the hippocampus will continue to work well. This can even encourage new neurons to form in the hippocampus at a rate of 3-4% per year, thus slowing memory loss and improving cognitive function.

Keep blood sugar levels stable for optimal brain health

Consuming foods that raise blood sugar doesn’t help our concentration. Instead, we should aim for food and beverage choices that keep blood sugar levels stable and promote optimal brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, plant ingredients like polyphenols, and Dr Coy’s sugars all play a role in improving memory and concentration. Here are a few examples:

Galactose:

Galactose, one of Dr Coy’s sugars, is absorbed by the brain without the need of insulin to generate energy and help to prevent loss of concentration, coordination, and memory. It causes low insulin release, which helps to avoid problems with insulin resistance. The hippocampus requires no insulin to absorb galactose, and therefore galactose is being taken up by the hippocampus even when insulin resistance exists. Galactose as a sugar, which can be used by the hippocampus in an insulin independent way protects it from degeneration, because galactose can be used as an energy fuel… continue reading

• Medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oils and coconut oils can help with the formation of ketone bodies, which provide the brain with additional energy. MCT oils and Dr Coy’s sugars work well as part of a keto diet. Try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or a teaspoon of MCT oil to your daily diet.
• B vitamins, especially vitamin B1 in the form of benfotiamine, can help promote the development of new brain cells and support optimal brain function. 100mg is the recommended daily amount.
• Lithium is a trace element found in some mineral waters and food supplements, that may help fight dementia and improve mood. Drink at least 1-2 litres per day together with Dr Coy’s sugars for additional brain benefits.
• Polyphenols can trigger the formation of new nerve cells in the brain (neurogenesis), and are found in berries, green tea, grape seeds, and other plants. The recommended amount is 500-750mg per day.
• Since our brains need sugar, combining Dr Coy’s sugars such as galactose, trehalose, and isomaltulose, can help provide the brain with a safe and sufficient supply of energy. The use of the calorie reduced Dr Coy’s sugar tagatose as well as the mixture of the calorie free erythritol and stevia can be used to reduce the overall amount of calories without reduction of sweetness.

Try Dr Coy’s sugars for yourself

Instead of reaching for a sugary soda next time you need to focus on something, why not try your own drink sweetened with Dr Coy’s sugars instead? Or add Dr Coy’s sugars to a stir-fry along with other brain foods such as broccoli, for a memory-boosting meal?

Our recipes page is packed with ideas for incorporating Dr Coy’s sugars into your diet.