Sugar vs Cocaine — Which one is deadlier?

SUGAR IS WORSE THAN DRUG

Will you be surprised if sugar is deadlier?

In 2007, researchers at the University of Bordeaux conducted a study where they put rats in cages with cocaine hit and sugar water before the experiment. Then, they were allowed to choose again with the two options — Sugar and Cocaine again to see how they liked it.

The result? 94% of the rats chose sugar water.

Again, the rats went for sugar water despite the researchers gradually increased the cocaine dosage.

When we compare food and drug addict side-by-side, the results of MRI scans of both the brains are similar. There is a massive spike in dopamine upon initial craving — high levels of anticipation but low levels of satisfaction.

MRI scans of drug and food addicts.

So what makes sugar deadlier than drug? The simple answer is accessibility.

It is legal and so accessible compared to cocaine. Sugar is not a controlled substance. Children can go into a shop and buy a bag of candy.

It is available anywhere in our modern food. Food producers are adding into their highly processed food to make it irresistible. It’s in our breakfast cereals, bread, granolas etc.

In the eyes of nutrition, sugar has zero nutrient and it is packed with tonnes of calories. Our constant exposure to this high-calorie foods –

messes with our hormones,

gives us metabolic syndromes like heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Sugar makes us tired, fat, sick and finally premature death.

So, what is the next step you would do to cut off sugar? The answer is not another can of Coke Zero or Pepsi Zero Sugar. Till next time.