Not only Salt, even Sugar has a count NOW

Not only Salt, even Sugar has a count NOW
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Not Only Salt, Even Sugar Has A Count NOW. Although most of the people around are aware of the cons of adding excess sugar to their diet but not many of us are keen on keeping a check on it.

Although most of the people around are aware of the cons of adding excess sugar to their diet but not many of us are keen on keeping a check on it. But statement released last week by WHO, shows how serious the scientists are in this matter. In the press note, dated 4th march 2015, WHO has called upon countries to revise their guidelines on consumption of free sugar. The WHO experts have advised to reduce daily content of free sugars to less than 10% of total calorie and a further 5% for additional health benefits.

According to Indian Dietary Guidelines this comes to a figure of 29 grams and 34 grams of sugar per day for sedentary and moderately active men respectively. These guidelines are based on the analysis of the latest scientific evidence that reducing sugar intake reduces the risk of overweight, obesity, etc. which are known to be the root cause of preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart diseases.

Sugars from processed foods likes soft drinks, fruit concentrates, corn syrups, fruit juices and table sugars are the major contributors of free sugar and needs to be cut down, while there is no limitation on fresh fruits, vegetables, milk…etc which also contain free sugars.

The practice of reading food labels is a much talked about issue in order to bring awareness on the total sugar content of the foods. An easy and simple practice at home may help you - for a family of 2 adults and 1 children keep aside 80 grams of sugar in a box (6 to 7 teaspoons = 30 – 35 gms per day of sugar per adult and 3 to 4 tea spoons = 15 – 20 gms per day for children) and try to make your day without the need for topping it.

However a mere effort by community is inadequate, “Nations commitments to reduce this burden of preventable diseases lies in making policy changes” says Francesco Branca, Director of WHO Department of Nutrition for health and Development.

Muralidhar Baayoju

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