Page 19 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1 2025

HEALTH MATTERS

uring World Sugar Awareness and certain cancers, noting that it’s a “By learning about where sugars are
Week in November 2024, public health crisis that requires urgent hidden and how to recognise them on
experts sounded the alarm action. Unfortunately, unregulated food labels, people can make more informed
Dabout excessive sugar intake outlets often do not comply with the South choices. It’s not about depriving ourselves,
in South Africa, where the average daily African legislation. but about making small, sustainable
consumption far exceeds World Health changes that benefit our health.”
Organisation (WHO) guidelines. South One barrier to cutting down on sugar
Africans consume between 12 and 24 is the prevalence of “hidden sugars” in World Sugar Awareness Week is a global
teaspoons of sugar per day, well above the processed foods. campaign aimed at reducing sugar
WHO’s recommended six teaspoons. consumption by educating the public
Jennings says learning how to read on the health risks associated with
Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma nutrition labels can empower consumers added sugars and the importance of
Dynamics – an advocate for healthy to make healthier choices. “Labels often reducing their intake. This year’s theme
living, and Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of list sugars under different names, like high highlights the urgent need for individuals,
the Heart and Stroke Foundation South fructose corn syrup, dextrose or maltose, governments and the food industry to
Africa (HSFSA), are calling for heightened which can make it difficult to understand take action against excessive sugar
awareness of sugar’s negative health just how much sugar you are consuming.” consumption.
impacts.
Naidoo points out that in South Africa, the Prof Naidoo acknowledges that while
“The country faces an epidemic of average 330 ml soft drink contains about cutting down on sugar may seem
non-communicable diseases such as eight teaspoons of sugar, while a similar challenging, the health benefits are
cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes and obesity, serving of fruit juice contains roughly nine profound. “Reducing sugar intake can
with raised sugar consumption playing teaspoons. help prevent a host of health issues, from
a key role in driving these conditions,” heart disease to diabetes and even some
says Prof Naidoo. “During World Sugar “These amounts far exceed the daily limit cancers. Our goal is not just to reduce
Awareness Week, we encouraged everyone suggested by the WHO and quickly add up, sugar intake, but to support a future where
to consider how small behavioural changes especially if you’re drinking more than one we are free from preventable diseases
to their diet could make a big difference to a day. It’s essential for consumers to know linked to our diets. Increased sugar intake
their health.” that ‘total sugars’ on labels includes both is addictive, therefore, behavioural control
natural and added sugars. It’s best to aim and self-management are important.
Most sugar intake in South Africa comes for products with little or no added sugar.” “World Sugar Awareness Week is an
from added sugars in processed foods opportunity for us all to rethink our sugar
and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Jennings also stresses the role of habits and commit to healthier choices,”
Common items like soft drinks, fruit juices education in reducing sugar consumption: she says.
and processed snacks often contain
hidden sugars, contributing to higher blood
sugar levels and over time, increased risks TO HELP PEOPLE CURB THEIR SUGAR
of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes,
liver disease and other serious health INTAKE, JENNINGS AND NAIDOO SUGGEST
issues.
THE FOLLOWING PRACTICAL STRATEGIES:
“Excessive sugar intake has a significant
impact on our overall weight, as well as on
our organs, skin, teeth and energy levels,” 1. Reduce added sugars: Cut back on sugar added to coffee, tea and
says Prof Naidoo. “The high rate of added cereals. Even small reductions can make a big difference over time.
sugars in diets, especially in beverages, is 2. Switch to healthier beverages: Choose water, unsweetened herbal tea, or
a major contributing factor to the obesity sparkling water instead of sugary drinks.
crisis. Reducing sugar intake, particularly 3. Limit sugary breakfast foods: Choose high fibre, high protein options like
from SSBs, could help reverse these oatmeal with fruit or whole-grain toast with avocado instead of sugar-
troubling health trends.” South Africa has laden pancakes or muffins.
introduced the sugar sweetened beverage 4. Avoid processed snacks: Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts
tax.
and seeds rather than sugary snacks and highly processed foods.
5. Choose healthier desserts: Instead of sugar-heavy desserts, try fresh fruit
Jennings emphasises the unique risks
posed by sugar in liquid form. “When we or Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
consume sugar-sweetened beverages, the
body absorbs it rapidly, often within 30
minutes, which can lead to a sharp spike
in blood sugar levels. This rapid increase
doesn’t provide the feeling of fullness that
we get from solid foods, so people often
consume more than they realise,” she
explains. “Cutting down on SSBs is one of
the simplest yet most effective changes
people can make to reduce their sugar
intake.”
The impact of sugar consumption on
obesity is another pressing concern. South
Africa has the highest obesity rate in sub-
Saharan Africa, with 70% of women and
40% of men over the age of 35 classified
as overweight. Jennings points out that
obesity significantly increases the risk of
developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease

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