FIZZY soft drinks may rot your teeth but new research suggests the sugary refreshments also boost the memory.
Contrary to conventional health messages, which have branded the high-sugar drinks as unhealthy, researchers in Scotland found that people who consumed 50g of sugar - just over the amount in one can of soft drink - could boost memory retention by almost one-fifth.
Neuroscientists from Glasgow Caledonian University said the effects might also help combat dementia in the elderly - and might eventually lead to better ways of treating memory problems in old age.
Softdrinks rot your teeth and ... boost your memory?
Softdrinks Rot Your Teeth And ... Boost Your Memory?
Trend Themes
1. Softdrink and Memory Boosting - The trend of incorporating sugar in food products for providing cognitive benefits is disrupting the health and wellness space.
2. Shift Towards Targeting Elderly Population with Dementia - The trend highlights the opportunity for companies to direct their efforts towards developing dementia-targeted products that are high on sugar.
3. Debunking the Belief That Soft Drinks Are Unhealthy - The trend provides an opportunity for soft drink makers to alter their brand messaging and package labeling to emphasize the cognitive benefits of sugar and target health-conscious consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage - Beverage companies could capitalize on this trend by infusing their products with sugar to provide cognitive benefits and targeting older consumers with cognitive issues.
2. Food - The food industry can explore the incorporation of sugar in their products as a way of providing cognitive benefits and combatting dementia in the elderly.
3. Pharmaceutical - Pharmaceutical companies have the opportunity to explore sugar-rich dementia treatment options as a result of the trend.