I was explaining this to my daughter in quite simplified terms the other day- we evolved to taste sugar and enjoy it because finding a sweet edible plant meant we had a source of energy to help us hunt that day. Pretty useful if you’re a hunter-gatherer.

So we seek out sugar. Now we can get it whenever we want it, in much more massive quantities than we are supposed to be processing. Most of us are addicted. I’m not an exception.

  • _stranger_@lemmy.world
    61·
    6 hours ago

    Sure, but a change in behavior can make the latter half of those years a lot more enjoyable. I used to work with nurses and the stories they’d tell of 30/40 somethings living like invalids visiting dialysis clinics three to five times a week is heartbreaking.

    • SOB_Van_Owen@lemm.ee
      21·
      4 hours ago

      This. I’ve watched too many people I care about suffer horribly and die prematurely from largely preventable illnesses. My own health went to hell from some genetic predispositions until I worked out I could absolutely not tolerate a standard American diet. Obviously some people can get away with it more than others for longer. But that’s not me. Found I wanted more life and a better quality of life. Fortunately I had the resources to change my diet and lifestyle. I realize that is a luxury not available to everyone.