Let’s begin with what sugar is. Sugar is a carbohydrate and can be found naturally in fruits and vegetables. It’s necessary for plant survival, but is it necessary for humans? The simple answer is no. We don’t need sugar in our lives but somehow our bodies still crave it. This is the same craving we have for drugs. Research suggests that sugar can affect the brain and body the same that drugs can.
However, if sugar affects us the same way as drugs, then why aren’t we more aware of the harmful effects of sugar? Leading the group is its impact on your heart which can lead to chronic heart disease. Secondly, it can lead to liver disease. Sugar can increase cholesterol levels which can lead to other issues. It can also have harmful mental impacts such as depression.
Sugar is in the same league as nicotine or tobacco when it comes to addiction. According to Paul van der Velpen, head of Amsterdam’s health services, sugar is a drug that should be controlled by governments and treated as any other drug.
The best way to avoid unwarranted impacts of sugar is to educate people on the true harmful effects, specifically parents. Children are the main victims of sugar since parents feed it to children, unaware of the adverse consequences. Parents should help children make healthier food choices and substitute sugary snacks for less processed alternatives. As a society, we need to recognize this deep-rooted issue and overcome it.