Experts say sugar is as dangerous as alcohol and cigarettes
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Do you like sugar in your coffee, always have a biscuit with your cuppa and struggle to resist an afternoon chocolate run?
If so, experts believe that your sugar habit could be as damaging to health as smoking or drinking to excess.
In an article called 'The Toxic Truth About Sugar', published in the journal Nature, a team of US scientists say that sugar is a poison and should be as tightly regulated as alcohol and cigarettes.
They claim that sugary food and drinks contributes to 25million deaths a year worldwide and is responsible for illnesses including obesity, heart disease, cancer and liver problems.
As a result, they believe that it should be controlled though taxation and legislation because the damage it causes mirrors the effects of drinking too much alcohol - which is made from distilling sugar.
They write: "A little is not a problem but a lot kills - slowly."
They believe that the problem is exacerbated by the fact that sugar is widely available and easily abused.
The report authors, led by Robert Lustig, a leading child obesity expert, says that teaching children about diet and exercise isn't an effective solution. Instead, he says that it would be better to double the price of fizzy drinks, restrict their sale to those over 17 or 18 and tighten regulations covering school vending machines and snack bars.
He told the BBC: "It [sugar] meets all the criteria for societal intervention that alcohol and tobacco meet."
However the researchers admit that they face "an uphill political battle against a powerful sugar lobby."
The study also points out that the consumption of sugar has tripled in the last 50 years and that there are now more obese people than malnourished people in the world.
One of the researchers, Dr Laura Schmidt, from California University, said: "We're not talking about prohibition. We're not advocating a major imposition of the government into people's lives.
"What we want is to actually increase people's choices by making foods that aren't loaded with sugar comparatively easier and cheaper to get."
However, the recommendation to tax sugar isn't popular and other scientists claim that the report is 'puritanical'.
Barbara Gallani, of the Food and Drink Federation, which represents the UK food and drink industry told the Daily Mail that it's wrong to focus on sugar alone.
She says: "The causes of these diseases are multi-factorial and demonising food components does not help consumers to build a realistic approach to their diet."
Do you think that sugary foods and drinks should be more tightly regulated? Let us know below...
Click on the image below for some healthy energy-boosting foods...
- Salmon<p> A top source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease (among other conditions) and even depression. The oily fish is also full of B12, niacin and minerals like selenium and iron, which boost energy production and immune function.</p>
- Beans<p> Beans (and lentils) are great for lowering cholesterol and are a good source of potassium, protein and healthy carbs. Throw them into salads, soups and pasta and rice dishes for a nutritious pick-me-up. Hummus and whole wheat pitta is another tasty, energy-boosting snack to have on the go.</p>
- Broccoli (and other green vegetables)<p> Leafy greens contain lots of iron to boost energy levels, plus they're packed with vitamin C and folate, which helps produce red blood cells and is associated with better moods. Add some broccoli and other green leafy veg like spinach, collard greens and kale to salads and other dishes. </p>
- Whole grains<p> Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and healthy cereals like oatmeal are loaded with B vitamins (which help the spleen function properly) and give you the fuel you need to keep your body and mind going all day long. Be sure to choose whole wheat varieties - all the fibre and nutrients have been processed out of 'enriched' white versions.</p>
- Eggs<p> High levels of protein correlate to better energy levels, and eggs are considered a complete protein source containing all nine amino acids. Kick-start your day with eggs for breakfast or munch on a hard-boiled egg to get energy levels up in the afternoon. </p>
- Blueberries and oranges<p> Natural sugars and healthy carbs make all fruits a great snack choice, but blueberries and oranges are packed with extra benefits. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, help boost your metabolism and fight off urinary tract infections, while the vitamin C in oranges aids with muscle repair and iron absorption, making them an ideal post-workout snack.</p>
- Green tea<p> As an alternative to coffee, green tea works wonders. It's packed with flavonoids which fight free radical damage, and studies have shown it's linked to a reduced risk of various cancers and heart disease. Drink up.</p>
- Honey<p> Honey is a great source of natural sugars and antioxidants (the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant content). It's thought to boost the immune system, aid digestion and promote healing - use it as an alternative to sugar. </p>
- Green parsley<p> Start chewing on those parsley sprigs - they serve more than just a decorative purpose. The leafy herb is full of vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid and flavonoids, which work to boost cell regeneration in the body and increase energy levels.</p>
- Seeds<p> Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are rich in protein as well as a healthy mix of fats and minerals (magnesium, iron and copper in pumpkin seeds; selenium and vitamins E and B6 in sunflower seeds) which will keep energy levels high. Sprinkle over salads or yoghurt or munch them on their own instead of that unhealthy packet of crisps.</p>
- Dark chocolate<p> Packed with antioxidants and shown to help lower blood pressure and improve mood, dark chocolate is actually good for you in moderation. Try swapping your cup of joe for a couple of squares as a pick-me-up. </p>
- Nuts<p> Nuts, (raw almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in particular) are a great snack option packed with protein and healthy fats, and also contain magnesium which helps convert sugar into energy. Nut butters are also energy-boosters whose heart-healthy fats can help keep you going longer.</p>
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