WHY WE SHOULD REGULATE SUGAR LIKE DRUGS I KEYA

For many people, stopping at one taste of sugar is impossible. Why is this you may ask?

The answer is simple. To many researchers, sugar is classified as more addictive than cocaine and heroin. In fact, according to research when lab rats are given the choice between injecting drugs and treats such as oreos, in some cases they are more likely to choose the latter. The reason why sugar is so addictive is because of its ‘hedonic value’ , meaning the pleasure experienced when eating sugary treats. This satisfaction is created because of the hormone dopamine being released into our brain. It is commonly known as a ‘feel good’ hormone. As a result it makes us want more, for it correlates to pleasure and reward. When our brain receives dopamine, it sees the initiator as beneficial to us and therefore releases more of the hormone. Although this may be okay in the short term to keep us happy, it is truly dangerous over time. It is ultimately an addiction and also creates a high tolerance to sugar. Once this happens, whether or not we are hungry, we often keep consuming sugar.

However, our addiction to sugar may not be entirely the fault of our own brains. Instead, food companies are partly to blame. We can explain this using the phrase 'the bliss point’. This bliss point in terms of sugary foods, is the amount of sugar in the food that maximises the palatability. Companies are known to take advantage of this and create all their sweet foods at this bliss point, keeping us enthralled by their products.

The effect of sugar is extremely harmful for many reasons. Of course, like any other food, in moderation sugar is perfectly acceptable, however as shown above, our bodies simply won’t allow us to have it in moderation. According to Medical News Today, “sugar is an empty calorie”, meaning that whilst adding calories to our diets, it is not of any benefit. It is also quickly digested by our body illustrating that it is not a good source of energy, nor does it keep us full for long.

Not only this, but sugar can cause an immense number of health issues. For example, one of the biggest issues faced is obesity. Not only do we eat a lot of this sweet food but it also makes savoury food tastier, meaning we tend to eat more food overall.

As well as obesity, it can lead to diabetes. Although there is not a direct link between sugar consumption and diabetes, as one may think, there is a lot of evidence showing how overconsumption of any calories can lead to type 2 diabetes. This is similar to how sugar can cause heart disease.

Tooth decay is also a very common problem caused by sugar. According to ‘Medical News Today’, after eating sugar, a layer of plaque is formed over our teeth. In turn, this reacts with the sugar initiating the release of an acid. Undoubtedly, this acid damages our teeth causing tooth decay and ultimately can cause cavities.

Another major issue shown by ‘very well mind’ shows that there is a clear correlation between early consumption of sugar and violence later on in life. This shows that not only does sugar impact us in the short term, but also has effects later in our lives. Clearly, this illustrates how we can never escape from a sugar addiction.

To conclude, sugar should be regulated similar to drugs as we can clearly see the effect it has on us. In practice however, this is extremely difficult because if the public were given the choice, I am sure like myself, you too would be against the ban of sugar. Therefore it is definitely unacceptable to prevent sugar consumption completely. Like any other foods, in moderation, sugar is absolutely fine. However, we should regulate it by not allowing companies to put as much sugar in their products.

Keya

Sources used:

BLAESER, J. Should sugar be regulated like a drug? | The Tylt In-text: (Blaeser, 2020) Your Bibliography: Blaeser, J. (2020). Should sugar be regulated like a drug? | The Tylt. [online] Thetylt.com. Available at: https://thetylt.com/culture/regulation-sugar-addiction [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].

BLISS POINT (FOOD) In-text: (En.wikipedia.org, n.d.) Your Bibliography: En.wikipedia.org. (n.d.). Bliss point (food). [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliss_point_(food) [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].

HARTNEY, E. Is Sugar Really, Truly Addictive? In-text: (Hartney, 2019) Your Bibliography: Hartney, E. (2019). Is Sugar Really, Truly Addictive?. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/sugar-addiction-22149 [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].

KANDOLA, A. Why is sugar bad for you? 5 reasons In-text: (Kandola, 2019) Your Bibliography: Kandola, A. (2019). Why is sugar bad for you? 5 reasons. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324854.php#lack-of-nutritional-value [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].

SUGAR AND DOPAMINE: THE LINK BETWEEN SWEETS AND ADDICTION In-text: (Wellness Retreat, n.d.) Your Bibliography: Wellness Retreat. (n.d.). Sugar and Dopamine: The Link Between Sweets and Addiction. [online] Available at: https://wellnessretreatrecovery.com/sugar-and-dopamine-link-sweets-addiction/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].