You don’t need to be diabetic to read this. Scientists have claimed that sugar is a slow poison just like cigarettes and alcohol and should be put under tight regulation. Before you take up the cudgels on behalf of your right to live as you want to, be warned that sugar is the cause of about 35 million deaths per year all over the globe. Besides, it is also the cause of obesity and heart disease, cancer, and liver problems. The over-consumption of sugar-rich foods and beverages are the culprit here. That is why scientists are vehemently advocating regulating the sweet ingredient through taxation and legislation. Is it really necessary? Read on to find more:-

1) A Lot of Sugar Kills

As has been said so many times in the past, excess of everything is bad. Similarly, if had in moderation, sugar is safe to eat but if you go overboard with it, there is no turning back. According to an article published in the journal “Nature”, “A little (of sugar) is not a problem but a lot kills – slowly.”

2) Authorities Have Warned Already

The whole world knows by now that America is the land of the most obese, although, arguably. The main cause behind this sad turn of events is the indiscriminate consumption of junk food and you know better what constitutes this junk food. Yes, you guessed it right. It is your usual dose of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, colas, ice cream sodas, Twinkies, M&Ms, etc. With so much sugar in everything you eat (yes, even salty junk food contains sugar in some form or another), is it any surprise that authorities are being requested to put harsh regulations on sugar consumption?

3) The Serious Warning

The authors of the article warn that obesity has overtaken the much larger problem of malnourishment in the world and sugar has a role to play. Not only does it make you fat but it also throws the body’s metabolism off-gear. Sugar renders hormones imbalanced and also harms the liver irreparably, in some cases. The authors are from California University and they said that if the indiscriminate consumption of sugar continues, it would harm the society widely. They also warned that if youngsters, especially children, were not made aware of its ill-effects, they might turn obese.

4) The Recommendations 

In their article, the authors have said that the governments should impose taxes on fizzy drinks to increase their price, thereby restricting their access to children. Other recommendations include:- putting a minimum age limit to sale of fizzy drinks, imposing stricter regulations on vending machines installed at schools, etc. Dr Laura Schmidt, also working at California University, explains it further, “We’re not talking about prohibition. We’re not advocating a major imposition of the government into people’s lives. What we want is actually to increase people’s choices by making foods that aren’t loaded with sugar comparatively easier and cheaper to get.”

5) The Cause for Worry

There is serious cause for worry as is revealed in the article. It says that the world is consuming three times more sugar than it was doing half a century ago. The responsibility to set things right lies with the food manufacturers, especially those involved in fast food manufacturing and production of packaged food.

6) The Other Side

Not everyone is convinced about the validity of the opinions presented in the article. Most of the people assume that sugar can be harmful only when eaten in unrealistic amounts. Barbara Gallani, who represents the UK food and drink industry, says, “It was wrong to focus on sugar alone. The causes of these diseases are multi-factoral and demonizing food components does not help consumers to build a realistic approach to their diet.” She wants that everybody should maintain a balanced diet and lots of physical activity in their lifestyle. Not bad advice, right?

The jury is still out on whether sugar is really the villain in your quest for a healthy life. Until then, you may do well by practicing moderation while consuming sugar. And if you need help for that, here are some useful herbal remedies for sugar cravings.

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