Sugar, any of numerous sweet, colorless water-soluble compounds present in the sap of seed plants and the milk of mammals and making up the simplest group of carbohydrates. The most common sugar is sucrose, a crystalline table top and industrial sweetener used in foods and beverages. Almost every packaged food includes industrial sweetener which may be harmful for so many people, especially for the young ones. Should packaged foods that contain industrial sweetener be sold at schools when people get sick because of it?
In my opinion, it should not be sold at schools where so many young people spend most of their time. Research on rats has found that sugar is more addictive than opioid drugs such as cocaine, and that there can be withdrawal symptoms such as depression and behavioral problems when people try to cut out sugar completely. Firstly, healthy eating during puberty is important as body changes during this time affects an individual’s nutritional and dietary. Teens are becoming more independent and making many food decisions on their own. They require healthy foods to meet their needs. Unfortunately, in school cafes, there are numerous foods that include refined sugar. It discourages people on their food decision. Instead of refined sugar, fruits that have natural sugar can be much more beneficial. Foods with natural sugar have an important role in the diet of cancer patients and anyone trying to prevent cancer because they provide essential nutrients that keep the body healthy and help prevent disease. On the other hand, refined sugar can increase risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. They are also linked to a higher likelihood of depression, dementia, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. This is why it is vital to reduce the use of refined sugar which can affect especially teens in a bad way. Instead of foods that include refined sugar, healthy snacks, fruits, smoothies can be sold to meet the needs of people. Additionally, refined sugar damages immune system which protects people’s body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make people ill. One of the most disturbing effects of added sugar intake is weight gain which can cause depression and illnesses such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa.
To sum up, foods with refined sugar which are quite detrimental for both physical and mental health should not be sold at schools. Healthy snacks, smoothie and fruits with natural sugar are much more beneficial for kids and teens.
References:
https://www.cancercenter.com
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu
www.newhallhospital.co.uk
https://www.britannica.com/science/sugar-chemical-compound