A generation ago there was a tobacco industry and its product was cigarettes. Today it is the food industry and its product is sugar – sugar that is added to food and drinks. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay It is not only used as a sweetener, it is also used as a coloring to ensure the consistency of foods and as an element to maintain the ingredients together. Consuming small amounts of sugar in moderation is okay. But large daily amounts are not good. Our food supply now contains so much added sugar that our metabolic (energy processing) systems simply can't handle it. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed its previous recommendation that, ideally, our sugar consumption – except that naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables – should not exceed ten percent of the total energy intake, and that less than five percent would provide additional health benefits. Soft drinks and sugary juices are the diet version of smoking. They may provide a short-term boost, but in the long term they contribute to a range of illnesses and ultimately premature mortality. This increases our risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. In fact, our waistlines can be as serious a risk as smoking. New research also indicates that sugar, like tobacco, can be addictive. Sugar activates the brain in a way reminiscent of a drug like cocaine, and people develop a tolerance to sugar in the same way that smokers and drug addicts do. This means that the more sugar you eat, the less reward you feel. The result, you eat more than ever. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article now from our expert writers. Get a Personalized Trial Despite the hype, it's important not to become too hysterical about sugar. It is a non-essential nutrient, but small, moderate amounts are sufficient. For example, you might worry that a simmered sauce will contain a lot of sugar, but if you eat it with lean meat and vegetables, the whole meal is nutritious. When everyone commits to taking care of their health, soft drinks will no longer be on the menu. And companies will follow your money wherever it goes, so make it count for better health and a brighter future..