Page 25 - Kyalami Issue 1 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
HEALTH
uring World Sugar Aware- South Africa has the highest obesity sugar.”
ness Week in November rate in sub-Saharan Africa, with 70% of
2024, experts sounded women and 40% of men over the age Jennings also stresses the role of edu-
Dthe alarm about excessive of 35 classified as overweight. Jennings cation in reducing sugar consumption:
sugar intake in South Africa, where the points out that obesity significantly “By learning about where sugars are
average daily consumption far exceeds increases the risk of developing type hidden and how to recognise them on
World Health Organisation (WHO) 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain labels, people can make more informed
guidelines. South Africans consume cancers, noting that it’s a public health choices. It’s not about depriving our-
between 12 and 24 teaspoons of sugar crisis that requires urgent action. Un- selves, but about making small, sustain-
per day, well above the WHO’s recom- fortunately, unregulated food outlets able changes that benefit our health.”
THE HEALTH RISKS
THE HEALTH RISKS
mended six teaspoons. often do not comply with the South World Sugar Awareness Week is a glob-
African legislation.
Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Phar- al campaign aimed at reducing sugar
ma Dynamics – an advocate for healthy One barrier to cutting down on sugar consumption by educating the public
living, and Prof Pamela Naidoo, CEO of is the prevalence of “hidden sugars” in on the health risks associated with
the Heart and Stroke Foundation South processed foods. added sugars and the importance of
Africa (HSFSA), are calling for height- reducing their intake. This year’s theme
ened awareness of sugar’s negative Jennings says learning how to read nu- highlights the urgent need for individu-
health impacts. trition labels can empower consumers als, governments and the food industry
to make healthier choices. “Labels often to take action against excessive sugar
“The country faces an epidemic of list sugars under different names, like consumption.
non-communicable diseases such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose or
cardiovascular, type 2 diabetes and maltose, which can make it difficult to Prof Naidoo acknowledges that while
obesity, with raised sugar consumption understand just how much sugar you cutting down on sugar may seem
playing a key role in driving these con- are consuming.” challenging, the health benefits are
ditions,” says Prof Naidoo. “During World profound. “Reducing sugar intake can
Sugar Awareness Week, we encour- Naidoo points out that in South Africa, help prevent a host of health issues,
aged everyone to consider how small the average 330 ml soft drink contains from heart disease to diabetes and
behavioural changes to their diet could about eight teaspoons of sugar, while even some cancers,” she says.
make a big difference to their health.” a similar serving of fruit juice contains
roughly nine teaspoons.
Most sugar intake in South Africa
comes from added sugars in processed “These amounts far exceed the
foods and sugar-sweetened beverages daily limit suggested by
(SSBs). Common items like soft drinks, the WHO and quickly
fruit juices and processed snacks often add up, especially
contain hidden sugars, contributing if you’re drinking
to higher blood sugar levels and over more than one a day.
time, increased risks of heart disease, It’s essential for con-
hypertension, diabetes, liver disease sumers to know that
and other serious health issues. ‘total sugars’ on labels
includes both natural
“Excessive sugar intake has a significant and added sugars. It’s
impact on our overall weight, as well as best to aim for products
on our organs, skin, teeth and energy with little or no added
levels,” says Prof Naidoo. “The high rate
of added sugars in diets, especially in
beverages, is a major contributing fac-
tor to the obesity crisis. Reducing sugar To help people curb their sugar in-
intake, particularly from SSBs, could
help reverse these troubling health take, Jennings and Naidoo suggest
trends.” South Africa has introduced the
sugar sweetened beverage tax. the following practical strategies:
HIDDEN SUGARS
Jennings emphasises the unique risks
posed by sugar in liquid form. “When 1. Reduce added sugars: Cut back on sugar added to coffee, tea and cereals.
we consume sugar-sweetened bever- Even small reductions can make a big difference over time.
ages, the body absorbs it rapidly, often
within 30 minutes, which can lead to 2. Switch to healthier beverages: Choose water, unsweetened herbal tea, or
a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. sparkling water instead of sugary drinks.
This rapid increase doesn’t provide the 3. Limit sugary breakfast foods: Choose high fibre, high protein options like
feeling of fullness that we get from solid oatmeal with fruit or whole-grain toast with avocado instead of sugar-lad-
foods, so people often consume more en pancakes or muffins.
than they realise,” she explains. “Cutting
down on SSBs is one of the simplest 4. Avoid processed snacks: Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts
yet most effective changes people can and seeds rather than sugary snacks and highly processed foods.
make to reduce their sugar intake.” 5. Choose healthier desserts: Instead of sugar-heavy desserts, try fresh fruit or
The impact of sugar consumption on Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
obesity is another pressing concern.

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