Scientists say sugar is as toxic as tobacco, liquor, needs government regulation

We’ve all heard that too much sugar isn’t good for you, but the new accusations against the sweetener may leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Scientists at the University of California say sugar is a poison that’s as toxic and addicting as alcohol and cigarettes, and age restriction should be enforced, according to a San Francisco Chronicle report.

Professor Robert Lustig told the Nature Journal that there is a causal relationship between the world tripling its sugar consumption and the soaring rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and other related conditions considered major killers.

But considering that sugar is everywhere---soda, cake, and less obvious items like bread, it's hard to avoid.

The effects of sugar are believed to be so dangerous that Lustig and other health professionals want the government to step in and regulate sugar products through taxes, age restrictions, and rules for advertisers to follow.

The Sugar association has refuted the scientists claims saying that they're based on incompetent science.

"We are confident that the American people are perfectly capable of choosing what foods to eat without stark regulations and unreasonable bans imposed upon them," the association said in a statement.

Read more.

What's your take? Will taxing sugary foods help to cut down on the amount of bad foods we eat and drink? Or do you think the government needs to stay out of our diet? Sound off by leaving a comment or head over to the ABC15Now! Facebook page.