Correcting 8 common misconceptions about sugar

Sugar causes tooth decay, the more sugar you eat, the more likely you are to get diabetes. Are these ideas true? Below are some "mythical" misconceptions about using sugar in daily life.

Myth 1: Some Sugars Are Better Than Others

Fact: All sugars have similar effects on our bodies.

“The idea that there are different types of sugar is a misconception,” says Jennifer Haythe, MD, a cardiologist at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. “Brown sugar, white sugar, honey…they all end up breaking down into the same thing called glucose. All forms of sugar are carbohydrates that can be used like glucose.”

Myth 2: Sugar makes kids more hyperactive.

Fact: There is no link between sugar and children's behavior.

“The idea that sugar makes kids hyperactive is one of the most ridiculous myths about sugar,” says Dr. Haythe.

Numerous scientific studies over the years have determined that there is, in fact, no direct link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity. The latest research paper published by Dr. Mark Wolraich, Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, concluded that “sugar does not affect children’s behavior.”

Myth 3: Sugar is as addictive as a powerful drug.

Fact: There is no conclusive evidence that sugar is addictive.

“There is no evidence that sugar is a gateway drug and is addictive,” says Dr. Haythe.

There are conflicting studies on the topic of sugar addiction. A French study published in 2013 linked cravings for sweets to the brain’s “reward center” that is triggered by addictive drugs. The study concluded that sugar is even more addictive than cocaine.

However, other doctors and researchers say the study's results suggest we only see addictive-like behavior in rodents when the animals are restricted from eating sugar for a certain amount of time each day. When the test subjects are allowed to eat sugar whenever they want — like humans — the addictive traits disappear.

Myth 4: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

Fact: Both types of diabetes are caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors, but a sweet, sugary diet cannot directly cause diabetes.

According to Dr. Haythe, “Eating sugar does not cause diabetes, it is a complex problem involving the pancreas and the body's metabolism. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin helps glucose absorb into the blood and liver to become useful energy.”

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), you are more likely to develop diabetes if you are overweight or obese, because excess fat can lead to insulin resistance. This makes a high-sugar diet an indirect way, rather than a direct cause, of type 2 diabetes.

Myth 5: Artificial sweeteners are better than sugar

Fact: Like sugar, artificial sweeteners aren't necessarily healthy.

Although artificial sweeteners like Stevia, Truvia, and aspartame (found in diet soda) have fewer calories than their sugary counterparts, research shows that people who drink diet soda are twice as likely to be obese as those who don't.

A study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that saccharin, an artificial sweetener, is more addictive than cocaine. Another study by the American Diabetes Association found that people who drink diet soda are 67% more likely to develop diabetes than those who drink regular soda.

Myth 6: Sugar causes tooth decay

Fact: Tooth decay is actually caused by acidic foods and drinks that erode our tooth enamel.

“Sugar doesn’t cause cavities, acid does,” says Dr. Mark Burhenne of AsktheDentist.com. “The top foods that cause cavities are crackers and breads, not candy. When we eat something with sugar, the bacteria that naturally live in our mouths also eat the sugar. The bacteria’s waste product is acid, so after they eat, they release acid.… The acid decalcifies or demineralizes tooth enamel by damaging the enamel structure, causing cavities.”

Myth 7: You should eliminate all sugar from your diet.

Fact: Humans need glucose to survive.

Of course, consuming too much sugar will lead to the problems we mentioned above such as weight gain and long-term health problems. However, glucose is very important for our bodies. The idea that sugar is bad for us is wrong. We all need sugar, we need it to function and survive.

But this view is controversial in the medical community. A 2005 research paper by Dr. Robert Lustig—who has famously devoted his life to fighting the “fat is evil” myth—concluded from a series of studies that “sugar is toxic” in any form, regardless of calories or weight.

Regardless, eliminating all sugar from your diet will be nearly impossible. Fruits, potatoes, and other starchy foods all have a high glycemic index. If you want to reduce your sugar intake, you have to eliminate all of them.

Myth 8: Sugar is the root cause of health problems

Fact: Sugar is rarely the sole cause of obesity and heart disease.

There's no doubt that sugar is a contributing factor to obesity. But it's not the only thing to consider when trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

“Sweet, sugary foods are high in calories, and are often highly processed,” says Dr. Haythe. “Simply put, if you eat too many calories, you will gain weight and be unhealthy.”

According to Dantri