Protein, Not Sugar, Stimulates Cells Keeping Us Thin And Awake, New Study Suggests

The sugar high, sugar rush is gone?

A new study has found that protein and not sugar activates the cells responsible for keeping us awake and burning calories. The research, published in the scientific journal Neuron, has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders.

Wakefulness and energy expenditure rely on "orexin cells", which secrete a stimulant called orexin/hypocretin in the brain. Reduced activity in these unique cells results in narcolepsy and has been linked to weight gain.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge compared actions of different nutrients on orexin cells. They found that amino acids - nutrients found in proteins such as egg whites - stimulate orexin neurons much more than other nutrients.

Tell that to a parent of a kid who eats sugary foods.

Seems a bit contrary to the empirical evidence, no?