Safety interview

Yolanda Alvarez

Technical Service Responsible - NIRCO

1. Why is sugar so appealing to our bodies?

Sugar is appealing to our bodies because it activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine (the so-called "happiness hormone"), quickly generating pleasure and well-being and reinforcing the desire to consume it. Any of us, in a moment of stress, sadness, or boredom, have consumed sugar to temporarily soothe this situation/feeling, as it offers quick emotional relief. Raise your hand if you haven't eaten a piece of chocolate on a busy workday to get through it! Me first, so I'm not raising my hand! 😃

2. How does excessive sugar consumption affect health?

High sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cavities are some of the many conditions associated with its consumption. I recommend an annual medical checkup where blood sugar levels can be monitored to detect diseases associated with sugar consumption early.

3. Do you think sugar is necessary in the diet? Why?

The body does need glucose (a type of sugar) for energy (for our brain and body), which is obtained from fruits, vegetables, and/or grains. In other words, natural sugars are necessary in the diet. However, refined sugar in drinks, pastries, and processed foods should be avoided in our diet, as its excess provides no nutrients and causes the health problems mentioned earlier.

Since we are at the beginning of the year and everyone makes New Year's resolutions, I want to share mine: I've resolved to eat more fruit this year. Those who know me well know that it's something I struggle with, and sometimes it's conspicuously absent from my daily diet. So, I encourage everyone to join me in this resolution, which will surely help us maintain a balanced diet, and our bodies will thank us for it. For now, I'm surrounding myself with lots of fruit... the next step is eating it... although I don't rule out having a chocolate cookie or a sweet treat now and then to make the day a little more bearable. 😃

Be happy, because nobody turns down a sweet treat!