By Alexandra Thompson Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 17:00 BST, 4 April 2019 | Updated: 17:01 BST, 4 April 2019
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Whether it's ice cream to mend a broken heart, or a fizzy drink for a treat, many turn to sugar when we are feeling down or low on energy.
But scientists have now claimed that the resulting 'sugar rush' is nothing more than a 'myth'.
They argue there is no evidence indulging in sweet treats has any effect on mood or sends children into a frenzy.
A review of 31 research papers found munching on caramel, toffee or fudge even leaves people feeling exhausted and less alert an hour later.
Researchers have urged people not to turn to sugary snacks as a 'quick refill', with the indulgence only 'making us feel worse'.
There is no evidence indulging in sweet treats boosts our mood, scientists discover (stock)
The research was carried out by the Humboldt University of Berlin, with help from academics at the universities of Warwick and Lancaster.
The effect of sugar - and carbohydrates in general - on mood has been widely debated.
People who battle depression or seasonal affective disorder have been known to 'self medicate' by upping their sugar intake.
This may be due to studies suggesting sugar encourages the release of feel-good neurotransmitters - the chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells.
However, research also implies overindulging in carbohydrates 'has adverse effects on psychological wellbeing'.
With sugar consumption on the rise, understanding the link between intake and mood is of 'high importance', the authors wrote.
To put this to the test, 31 studies on the subject, with a total of 1,259 participants, were examined.
The results, of the study, led by Dr Konstantinos Mantantzis, revealed that eating carbohydrates has no effect on
