Sugar has become the most recent demon to grace the health industry. If we were to believe all the damning reports on sugar, we’d all have to give up sugar altogether. But are all these stories based on scientific facts or mere myths? This article aims to dispel some of the untruths about sugar and sugar addiction.
False Facts About Sugar
1. Sugar Is Highly Addictive
Scientists disagree on the whole premise that sugar addiction exists, and studies have produced conflicting results. While some have shown sugar to be highly addictive, other studies have produced the opposite results.
2. Sugar Is One of the Main Causes of Obesity
While sugary foods do tend to have more calories, normal consumption of sugar alone does not cause obesity. Other dietary factors like exercise along with the consumption of fatty foods are just as impactful. Of course, an excess of sugar is also not beneficial.
3. Artificial Sweeteners Are Healthier
When talking about sugar addiction, it’s important to mention that one study has shown that saccharin is more addictive than cocaine. In a separate study by the American Diabetes Association, it became apparent that people drinking diet soda are 67% more likely to develop diabetes than those who drink non-diet soda.
4. Eating Sugar Causes Diabetes
Diabetes has to do with your insulin more so than your sugar consumption. Scientists are pointing out that normal sugar consumption alone does not cause diabetes and related health issues. It is an excess of sugar that you need to be aware of.
Final Thoughts
To some extent, the jury is still out on whether sugar addiction is real or not. Nonetheless, if you’ve ever given up sugar, you’ll know that after one or two weeks, you no longer crave sweets – or so the anecdotal evidence suggests.
Moderation is key when it comes to all types of food, including the delicious sweet stuff and all the delicious things that come with it.
