Sweet Killer: The Deadliest Hidden Drug

Throughout history, we have underestimated the impact of certain foods on our health. Among them, sugar has been one of the most controversial. Although it is a basic component of our modern diet, various experts have labeled it "the killer sweet", a term that resonates strongly due to the multiple damages it causes in the body.

The Historical Error of Classifying Sugar as a Nutrient

At a key moment in the history of nutrition, carbohydrates were classified as essential nutrients without taking into account the negative repercussions that excessive consumption could have. This misclassification has contributed to sugar being perceived as a "recommended" food for decades. The lack of awareness about the harmful effects of sugar has allowed its use to spread massively, dominating the food industry to the point of being one of the most common ingredients in processed foods.

Today, more than 92% of prepared foods contain sugar, making it the most widely used raw material in the world. This ubiquity has made it difficult for consumers to avoid it, as it is found even in products we don't consider "sweet." From breads to sauces, sugar is everywhere.

The Role of the Food Industry

The food industry has played a crucial role in normalising sugar consumption. For years, it has been promoted in a wide range of products, many of which are aimed at children and young people. This pattern has established a cultural and biological dependence on sugar, leading to the spread of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Regular sugar consumption activates the brain's reward centres, which explains why many people develop an addiction. In fact, some studies compare the effects of sugar on the brain to those of substances such as cocaine. This similarity in the activation of neurotransmitters explains why it is so difficult for many people to reduce their intake.

The Myth of Fats and Sugar

Another of the great mistakes of modern nutrition has been the demonization of fats. For years, public health campaigns focused on reducing fat consumption to combat obesity and improve cardiovascular health. However, in this process, the importance of healthy fats, essential for cell regeneration and the optimal functioning of our tissues, was left aside.

At the same time, the focus on fat allowed sugar to go unnoticed as a real enemy of health. While we were told to cut down on fat, the amount of sugar in processed foods was increasing out of control, leading to an alarming rise in levels of metabolic diseases.

The Impact on Health

Excessive sugar consumption is directly linked to a number of health problems. One of the most serious is insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Additionally, sugar is associated with weight gain, chronic inflammation, and elevated risk of heart disease. It has even been linked to certain types of cancer, due to its ability to promote a pro-inflammatory environment in the body.

Sugar also has a negative impact on mental health. Spikes and drops in blood glucose can trigger mood swings, anxiety and fatigue, affecting the quality of life of those who consume too much of it.

The Solution: Reduce Sugar Consumption

Given this situation, reducing sugar consumption has become a priority for many public health experts. This means not only avoiding obviously sweet foods, such as soft drinks or candy, but also paying attention to the labels of processed products that often hide sugar under less familiar names, such as fructose, corn syrup or maltose.

Adopting a diet based on fresh and minimally processed foods is one of the most effective ways to reduce sugar consumption. In addition, it is essential to educate the population about the risks associated with its consumption and to change the cultural perception that associates it with pleasure and reward.

Conclusion

Sugar, known as “the killer candy,” has gone from being a luxury reserved for the elite to becoming an omnipresent element in our diets. Despite its appeal, its effects on health are devastating. It is time for us to evaluate our relationship with this ingredient and adopt eating habits that prioritise our long-term well-being. Reducing sugar consumption will not only improve our physical health, but also our mental and emotional well-being. Change begins with educating ourselves and making conscious choices about what we consume.

Dr. Jaime Brugos (2024) - “Nutrición perfecta y constante para óptima salud - Isodieta”

2009 - 2012 ISBN: 978-84-612-8623-2