Glucose: The Brain's Sweet Tooth

What is glucose? Based on an ancient Greek word meaning “sweet, delightful wine,” glucose is a form of sugar and the body’s main energy source. That’s especially true for the brain and its “sweet tooth” for glucose.

Carbohydrate Connection

Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which your brain efficiently uses as a source of fuel for learning, remembering information and thinking. So demanding of glucose-derived energy, the adult brain consumes nearly 25% of the body’s glucose.

As the primary source of energy for our brain and nervous system, carbohydrates are essential to the body. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. There are two types of carbohydrates:

1. Complex carbohydrates are more nutritious for the body because they supply more fiber, minerals and vitamins. Complex carbohydrates aid in weight loss, balance blood sugars, help you feel fuller longer and lower cholesterol levels. They include:

• Beans
• Fruits
• Legumes
• Starchy vegetates (corn, peas and potatoes)
• Whole grains

2. Simple carbohydrates are less nutritious for the body. More processed, they have less fiber, minerals and vitamins. In excessive amounts, simple carbohydrates can cause inflammation, raise cholesterol levels and spike blood sugars. However, all carbohydrates can be part of a balanced diet. The key is moderation through balanced meals and snacks. Simple carbohydrates include:

• Candy
• Juice
• Sugar
• White/refined grains

Natural Versus Added Sugar

You may have heard the terms “natural sugar” and “added sugar,” so what is the difference and what do they mean?

• Natural sugars include sugars naturally present in many nutritious food and beverages such as fruits and milk.
• Added sugars include sugars added during the processing of foods. This is the type of sugar we want to limit. Added sugar examples include brown and raw sugars, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, molasses, and a list of “ose” ingredients from dextrose, fructose and glucose to high-fructose corn syrup, lactose and sucrose.

Next Steps

Healthy eating and proper nutrition play a big part in maintaining good health. If you would benefit from working with a registered dietitian nutritionist, talk to your primary care doctor for a referral to nutrition counseling at North Kansas City Hospital. Visit nkch.org/Nutrition to learn more about our nutrition services.

Explore More

• Diabetes and Brain Health: There’s a Connection
• Nutrition Facts Labels: Breaking the Code
• Your Guide to Living Well With Diabetes

  More articles

Lindsey Robinson

Lindsey Robinson, MS, RDN, LD has worked as an outpatient and inpatient dietitian at NKCH since August 2020. Lindsey graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She also graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science. Lindsey is passionate about helping others to achieve their nutrition goals. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys baking, spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors.