Tobacco vs Sugar, Which is More Dangerous? Answer Will Surprise You

Many people are already aware that they need to limit the amount of sugar they consume. However, the University of California scientists believe that consumers should not just be the one to restrict their sugar intake; it should be treated just like tobacco and alcohol.
How Much Sugar is Consumed?

Added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar, are present in almost 20% of the American diet. In the last 50 years, the overall consumption of the sweet stuff has tripled and this can easily be viewed by the total amount of soda drank by Americans in which an average person drinks over 50 gallons per year. Sugar is almost a natural ingredient in many food products. In order to combat obesity and promote better health, sugar should be controlled just like tobacco and alcohol.
Tobacco is Addictive and So is Sugar

Tobacco and sugar are very much alike when it comes to their addictive qualities. Based on the findings of the report entitled Sugar Consumption at a Crossroads, sugar affects the body in so many negative ways. These negative effects include obesity and health issues, which is why many companies are protesting against the comparison, such as Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, and Snapple.





Companies like the ones mentioned will either have to self-regulate or tank. To self-regulate means they should have drinks or products that come with natural sweeteners with zero or very low calorie content. On the other hand, to tank is to completely remove the sugar content, which is more than difficult.



However, due to the fact that sugar is addictive, the negative effects – even though they are publicized – will not affect all consumers. Cigarettes have not been among the top sellers since the 70s when studies showed the connection between smoking and lung cancer. Still, there are many people who smoke habitually despite the proof that there is nothing good out of smoking.

Although there is a link between type 2 diabetes and sugar, it is not the same as tobacco. This is because there was medical research with tobacco, proving that it is indeed the cause of lung cancer on people who consume it. Meanwhile, sugar does contribute to the occurrence of diabetes in patients, particularly type 2 diabetes. However, there is no way to provide it is the main cause, since it is impossible to measure the amount of sugar people consume.

Sugar consumption is predicted to remain the same. Even though some people will try to limit their sugar intake, there will still be a huge number of companies that will do everything to sell their sugar-laden products.




source : http://www.stethnews.com