You don’t have to be a health specialist to know the dangers of added sugar. For close to a decade, health authorities have been warning the public of its dangers, and in some cases, calling for initiatives to reduce consumption.
But new data suggests that sugar taxes, banning sugary drinks in schools, or labeling sugar content just isn’t good enough. The study, published recently in Circulation, is calling out the manufacturers of packaged foods.
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The researchers say that sugar is killing Americans at a rapid pace, suggesting that reducing its content in packaged foods and drinks could prevent more than two million strokes, heart attacks, and cardiac arrests per year.
It would also reduce the number of diabetes cases and its various associated health troubles.
The study authors used modeling to look at the impacts of voluntary sugar reduction goals across 15 categories of packaged food and drinks.
Modeling showed that cutting 20 percent of sugar from packaged foods and 40 percent from beverages could prevent:
- Nearly 2.5 million heart disease-related events like strokes, heart attacks, and cardiac arrests
- 490,000 cardiovascular deaths
- 750,000 cases of diabetes
All in the current lifetime of Americans aged 35-79.
The study authors suggest implementing a national voluntary sugar reduction target to help improve public health.
Of course, it’s highly unlikely largescale food manufacturers alter their use of sugar. It’s what keeps people coming back for more. Instead, you may have to rely on yourself to monitor added sugar intake to potentially lower the risk of death and illness.
So, how do you do that? It can be very difficult. The real key is looking at ways to slowly cut consumption. If you’re drinking five cans of coke per day and eating a few sugary snacks, cutting it all out at once likely won’t last.
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Instead, look to cut back on or two items per day. Maybe replace a can of coke or two per day with a glass of water or a cup of unsweetened coffee or tea. Maybe swap one of the snacks for an apple or handful of nuts. When a routine takes shape, cut more sugar.
It’s also important to know that your tastebuds will take time to recalibrate. High sugar foods hijack your tastebuds so naturally sweet foods, like apples, pears, berries, etc. don’t taste sweet. Slowly cutting back on sugar, eventually, should retrain your tastebuds.
The key is to stick to it and remember that the changes should come in time. Eventually a plain yogurt with added nuts and berries, maybe a little cocoa powder, will help satisfy a craving for something sweet after dinner.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
