Sucking on a few sweet candies during stressful times can effectively reduce stress. 
A research team at the University of Cincinnati in the United States found that mice consuming sweet treats had lower levels of the stress hormone (glucocorticoids). However, the study also discovered that these mice tended to gain weight.
The researchers provided adult male mice with water mixed with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or plain water twice a day. After two weeks, the animals faced physical and psychological stress situations.
The mice that drank sugar water exhibited lower glucocorticoid levels compared to those that drank plain water. Those consuming artificial sweeteners only showed a slight reduction in glucocorticoid levels.
Yvonne Ulrich-Lai, the lead psychologist in the study, stated: “Glucocorticoids help individuals survive and recover from stress, but they are also linked to obesity and reduced immune function when produced in large amounts“.
The findings could be beneficial for reducing stress in humans, stemming from physical reasons such as illness or injury, or psychological factors like public speaking or coping with the loss of loved ones.
Dr. Ulrich-Lai mentioned: “We have actually found that sweet candies, rather than artificial sweets, are effective remedies for both physical and psychological stress“.
Amanda Johnson, a nutritionist at the British Nutrition Association, commented: “It is important to remember that many factors are related to stress, and simply eating sweets may not necessarily reduce stress in humans. Overconsumption of sweets can also lead to excess energy intake“.
M.T. (according to BBC)
