Simple sugars, also known as simple carbohydrates, are found in the type of sugar used for making candy, including Sour Jujubes. When you eat any kind of carb, whether it's simple or complex, the carb breaks down in the body and converts into simple sugars, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. The spike in sugar levels in the body may affect your mood and, for some, cause anxiety.
About Sour Jujubes
Sour Jujubes, which are fruity and sour-tasting bite-sized, chewy candies, are manufactured by The Allan Candy Company. One serving -- 9 pieces of candy -- has 140 calories, 35 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of sugar. There's no fat nor any vitamins or minerals. MayoClinic.com suggests getting 45 to 65 percent of daily calories from carbs each day, which amounts to roughly 225 to 325 g. The site suggests you consume complex carbs, such as fruits, vegetables and beans, rather than simple carbs like candy.
Diet and Mood
Diet can affect mood, according to Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic. People can reduce anxiety by making changes to their diet, including limiting sugar intake. Hall-Flavin suggests substituting complex carbs for sweets. Complex carbs, such as whole grains, can have a calming effect on the brain by increasing serotonin levels.
Sugar and Anxiety
Binging on Sour Jujubes, or any kind of candy, could cause opiate-like dependence and anxiety. In a study published in the journal "Physiology and Behavior" in June 2008, researchers analyzed the effect of sugar binging. Rats who were put on high-sugar chow for 28 days, followed by three days of sugar deprivation, experienced symptoms of withdrawal, namely anxiety. In the short-term, however, a 1995 study published in the same journal showed different results. Thirty to 60 minutes following the consumption of sugar had no effect on mood in human models.
Sugar and Caffeine
Combining sugar and caffeine could up your anxiety levels. While Sour Jujubes do not contain caffeine, eating a handful along with a cup of coffee or tea could alter your mood, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Excessive sugar and caffeine consumption may be more likely to cause mood disturbances, including anxiety and nervousness.
References
- KidsHealth: How the Body Uses Carbohydrates
- The Allan Candy Company: Jujubes and Wine Gum
- MayoClinic.com; Healthy Diet: End the Guesswork With These Nutrition Guidelines; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Coping With Anxiety: Can Diet Make a Difference?; Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.; May 2011
- "Physiology and Behavior"; After Daily Bingeing on a Sucrose Solution, Food Deprivation Induces Anxiety and Accumbens Dopamine/Acetylcholine; Nicole M. Avena, et al.; June 2008
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: Food and Mood
