Sugars are sweet, but lethal

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com  

Reported by Julia Cassano   

Indulging in sugary treats can be a tempting habit for many. It’s easy to grab a candy bar or sip on a can of soda, especially when we’re on the go or feeling stressed. However, indulging in sugary foods can have severe consequences, ranging from weight gain and dental problems to mood swings and decreased energy levels.

A top nutritionist here warns that regularly consuming high-sugar foods like soda, candy, baked goods, and breakfast cereals can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

According to various reports, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can have negative impacts in the short and long term. In the short term, it can lead to acne, weight gain, and fatigue. whereas in the long term, it can raise the likelihood of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

The only way out is to shed the sweet tooth! Unfortunately, controlling our cravings can be challenging, as sugar hides in many of the foods we enjoy, including bread, pasta, and yoghurt.

Even foods that may appear healthy can mislead us into consuming excess sugar. This situation is particularly grave in Bahrain, where the incidence of diabetes is high, affecting 14.7% of the adult population.

To learn more, take a look at the latest Global Nutrition Report. That report says 39.5% of adult women (aged 18 and older) and 28.4% of adult men are living with obesity in Bahrain. Furthermore, Bahrain’s obesity prevalence is higher than the regional average of 10.3% for women and 7.5% for men. However, there is hope.

Moayyed Feroze suggests satisfying our sugar cravings with healthier options, such as naturally sweetened fruits, berries, and dates. He says consuming naturally sweetened foods can help reduce cravings for sugary foods.

Eating balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings. Nevertheless, the prevalence of quick and easily available pre-packaged foods in supermarkets has led to a sugar intake crisis and major health problems.

To address this issue, the Ministry of Health has been focusing on diabetes prevention through awareness programmes, medical staff training, treatment improvement, and comprehensive care for diabetics. By making simple changes to our diet and lifestyle, we can satisfy our sweet tooth without harming our health.