Sweet liberty

Could chocolate really be addictive? Some are predicting that these kinds of food may soon be legislated against like alcohol and tobacco. The controversy centres on sugar. Rats fed on sugar syrup develop behaviours similar to rats addicted to morphine. When rats binge on sugar syrup their brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure seeking. If certain foods are proven to be addictive we can expect government legislation and labelling – junk food could face heavy taxation or bans. And we may see food addiction patches, like nicotine patches, used. Sounds far fetched? Transfats are already banned in restaurants in New York and California.

Source: New Scientist 

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