Sugar could be just as addictive as cocaine, research has suggested.
It has a similar effect on the brain to powerful illegal drugs, scientists warned.
It means sugar can cause cravings, binges and withdrawal symptoms similar to a drug addict going cold turkey, they said.
Cutting it out may lead to depression and even behavioural disorders such as ADHD, the paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed.
Experts are increasingly worried about consumption of sugar in Britain, particularly among children.
Average sugar intake is nearly three times the recommended limit, according to Public Health England, and is driving up obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. For the latest study the scientists, from Saint Luke"s Mid-America Heart Institute in Kansas City, assessed all existing research about sugar and addiction.
They concluded that refined sugar and opioid drugs trigger a similar response from the brain"s reward system, both releasing dopamine and other pleasure-inducing chemicals. But as we get used to this feeling we need more to get the same response, leading to addiction.
No comments:
Post a Comment