Question

how do you feel about the comparison of sugar to tobacco? Do you believe we should tax sugar in our foods? Please explain.

Answer 1

Studies and surveys suggest that usage of added sugar in our daily diet in an uncontrolled manner is as unhealthy and dangerous as tobacco usage. Intake of natural sugar seen in fruits, vegetables, grains etc. are not a point of concern. Soft drinks, junk foods, some dietary products etc. are rich source of added sugar. It is to be noted, health expert's advice that added sugar intake should be less than ten percent of our total energy consumption.

Tobacco users get a short-term punch at the time of using such products, likewise the consumption of food having added sugar also gives an instant pleasure which being the cause for its repeated and frequent usage. This leads to many health issues like obesity, diabetes (type II), tooth decay, poor bone strength, heart disease, cancer etc. in the later years.

Advertisements play a major role in developing an affinity towards such high sugar products. This passes a wrong message to children and also adults. Avoiding such adds at least during children’s programme can address the issue up to certain level. Another suggestion by expert is that imposing tax on these products will help to reduce the number of consumers. And also educating people about the ill effects of using such food items, similar to the awareness created against tobacco products.

Therefore, to conclude, even though experts support the intake of extra sugar in minimal quantity, it is not necessary to include it in our daily diet as natural sources of sugar forms available in fruits, vegetables, cereals etc. Self-awareness is what needed here, which helps ourselves more than any external precautions and remedies.