Public Urged to Reduce Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Food

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) urged the public to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and beverage to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity and development of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes.

Numerous studies in recent years showed that increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to overweight and obesity among children and adults.

Sugar sweetened foods and beverages like commercially available cookies, granola bars, fruit drinks, sports drinks and soft drinks typically contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) which is liquid sweetener used to replace common table sugar in food manufacturing.

World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends a reduced intake of free sugars such as HFCS throughout the life course.

It also recommends an intake of free sugars to less than 10of total energy intake for the day.

Furthermore, WHO said that sugar-sweetened food and beverages can increase overall energy intake and may reduce consumption of foods containing more nutritionally adequate calories which leads to unhealthy diet and weight gain.

Likewise, NNC promotes the 10 “kumainments” which is the popular version of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.

The 10 kumainments contain messages that promote positive nutrition behaviors specifically number 8 that states “Hinay-hinay sa maalat, mamantika at mamatamis,” which calls for reduced intake of salty, fatty and sugary foods and beverages. (rmn/lpp/PIA7-Negros Oriental with reports from the NNC)