The Negative Impact of Sugar on the Brain B rain uses more energy than any other organ in the human body and glucose is its source of fuel. But In the brain, excess sugar impairs both our cognitive skills and our self-control (having a little sugar stimulates a craving for more). S ugar has drug-like effects in the reward center of the brain. Scientists have proposed that sweet foods—along with salty and fatty foods—can produce addiction-like effects in the human brain, driving loss of self-control, overeating, and subsequent weight gain. Studies imply that overeating results in a diminished reward response and a progressively worsening addiction to low-nutrient foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat. E xcess sugar is harmful to the brain, resulting in slowed cognitive function and deficits in memory and attention. S tudies of long-term diabetics show progressive brain damage leading to deficits in ...