Sugar: An Addictive Drug Like Alcohol and Tobacco?

     According to a senior Dutch health official, soft drinks should carry health warnings much like the ones on tobacco products.   Paul Van Der Velpen, head of the Amsterdam Health Service was quoted as saying, "Just like alcohol and tobacco, sugar is actually a drug. There is an important role for government. The use of sugar should be discouraged. And users should be made aware of the dangers,"  

Many of the energy bars rely on sugar for the energy

    There is pressure being applied to legislators in Holland to place extra taxes and regulations on sugar and the amount of sugar being used by the food industry.   The point that they are making is some what of a valid one, because it is a lot easier to put down a bag of vegetables than it is to set aside a bag of cookies.

Up to 41 grams per liter of sugar

     I guess that when you combine sugar with alcohol, whether it be added to the liquor at the distillery, or you add it to your cocktail you are looking at a double whammy.  

     My feeling on the subject are very simple, I believe that a limited amount of sugar in your life is fine, it is like so many other things that it is so easy to over indulge on, you need to exercise some self control and use things in moderation rather than being a glutton.   For me, I like a good cocktail, but I avoid the ones that have  ingredients in the mixes or spirits that are loaded with sugar or even worse high fructose corn syrup.  You can get great flavors from the sweetness found naturally in juices and fruits without adding all of the sugar  Read your labels, you will be surprised how much sugar is contained in many "healthy" products.

Fruit Juices more sugar than a candy bar in most cases

     Just keep things in perspective and use your head when it comes to the over use of anything, whether it be alcohol, sugar or anything else.  ;o)