<p>Ischemic stroke, and obese-insulin resistance are common pathological conditions that lead to brain injury, resulting in neurodegeneration, brain atrophy, and cognitive dysfunction. Rare sugars, which are scarce monosaccharide in nature, have been investigated as a potential treatment for these adverse conditions. However, the beneficial effects of rare sugars on the brain have never been summarized. Therefore, this article comprehensively summarizes and discusses the benefits of rare sugars on the brain under physiological condition, ischemic stroke, and obese-insulin resistance. The potential mechanisms mediating these benefits of rare sugars are also described. Any contradictory findings are also included. This article adds weight to the impetus for further investigations into the applications of rare sugars as a novel therapeutic paradigm in clinical application.</p>