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  • Essay / Food and Eating in Western Culture - 1020

    There is a study in which rats were given varying amounts of sugary drinks and then tested for cognitive abilities. The results revealed that there was cognitive dysfunction as well as addictive behaviors. Some of the cognitive dysfunctions included lack of spatial learning as well as memory loss (Kendig 2014). This is one of many studies done on how sugar levels affect our behavior. This study was inspired by the change in behavior of children who consume large amounts of sugars. Although only rats were tested, it can be hypothesized that similar results will be obtained in humans (Kendig, 2014). Consumption of sugary foods is inappropriate as it leads to a loss of cognitive abilities. This also creates a downward spiral since sugar consumption is addictive and cognitive function can never be restored to normal without sugar withdrawal. Dirt, however, has no addictive properties and can act as a vitamin and mineral supplement (Callahan, 2003). In fact, pregnant women often use it to soothe upset stomachs and are given supplements such as calcium, which is important during the third trimester when fetal bones begin to deteriorate.