Joan Shenton introduces this episode of Food, Fad or Fact? Is sugar good or bad?

Joan Shenton introduces episode four of series one of Food - Fad or Fact, focusing on Sugar. Asking the question is there a link between sugar and obesity, heart disease and tooth decay. In recent years there has been a significant shift in scientific opinion believing the links between sugar and disease are unfounded. The programme touches on a brief history of sugar cultivation and the sugar plantations in America. Sugar itself is derived from the sugarcane plant and thought to have been produced in Indian as early as the first century AD. Initially used as medicine not food. It was traded across Europe in the middle ages, brought to Brazil in 1540 and transported to America in 1625. Sugar became hugely popular surpassing grain to become one of the most valuable commodities in the European trade market during the 1700s.

Professor John Yurdkin, author of the book 'Pure White and Deadly', is interviewed about his findings that sugar is toxic for humans. However Professor John Durnin argues against this theory, believing sugar is not nearly as much of a culprit for disease as it has been made out to be. Disproving the link between sugar and obesity, arguing against the advice to eat more starchy foods in replace of sugar. As this will not reduce your calorie intake, make you slimmer or healthier. Prof Durnin even claims that people who are overweight have no particular fondness for sugar. The programme also stresses that there is no scientific link between sugar and heart disease. As for tooth decay, the argument that sugar is harmful is by degree and frequency of which people eat sugary foods. The current advice is to enjoy sugar but as part of a healthy diet.