Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Grace Marie Jones, Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University
Published on 2024-03-28 12:18:54
The world is currently focusing on reducing sugar consumption due to the harmful link between disease and dietary sugar, as outlined in a recent comprehensive assessment of published studies. Understanding this link is crucial in taking action to change the negative health outcomes associated with sugar consumption, such as coronary heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and certain cancers. Research has long been investigating the mechanisms by which fructose intake contributes to these diseases.
Several African countries have joined the global effort to reduce sugar intake, with South Africa implementing a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks in 2018 to address obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. Despite the widespread inclusion of sugar in diets and the tradition of celebrating special occasions with sweet treats, it is important to be more aware of the impact sugar can have on our health.
Sugar is a naturally occurring sweet-tasting molecule found in various foods and can be concentrated in processed foods. Sucrose, or table sugar, is a common disaccharide made up of glucose and fructose. High fructose corn syrup is another commonly used sweetener in processed foods, comprising a mix of glucose and fructose. Both are considered added sugars and are often used in processed foods for various purposes.
Switching to a lower sugar diet can have significant benefits, as demonstrated in a study where children who stopped consuming sugar and fructose for 10 days experienced reductions in triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure, liver fat, and other health markers. The World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar intake to about 58 grams per day for adults and children.
To reduce sugar intake, individuals can track their daily food consumption, identify sources of added sugars, and set realistic goals to either increase consumption of whole fruits and vegetables or decrease the intake of added sugars. By being mindful of their sugar consumption and making small changes to their diet, individuals can work towards achieving recommended sugar intake levels for better health outcomes.
