Diabetes is a metabolic cum vascular syndrome of multiple etiology characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with…
Sugar and sweet consumption have been popular and intrinsic to Indian culture, traditions, and religion from ancient times. Indian festivals portray the rich cultural heritage and significance of our country. Food is an integral part in Indian festival. Indian sweets contain high amount of sugar as well high in saturated and trans fats (prepared using partially hydrogenated vegetable oils). Decreasing physical activity and increasing trend of per capita sugar consumption assumes significance in view of the high tendency for Indians to develop insulin resistance, abdominal adiposity, and hepatic steatosis, and the increasing “epidemic” of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases.
SUGAR CONSUMPTION DURING FESTIVE SEASONS IN INDIA
The most popular sweetener in the world, sugar, was invented in India. Traditionally, any occasion in India is celebrated with the intake of sweets. Also, it is customary to “sweeten the mouth” after every meal, any joyous occasion, religious festival, social gathering, etc. It is considered mandatory to offer sweets to the gods on every religious occasion (e.g., it is believed Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped first in all religious occasions, is fond of ladoos. Indian religious offerings mostly contain five amrits (elixirs) like milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), honey, and sugar; these indicate the importance of sugar not only as a food item but also as intrinsic to the Indian way of life. Nutritionally consumption of sugar provides only “empty” calories (1 g of sugar gives 4 kcal and lacks the natural minerals).
Consumption of Indian sweets varies from region to region depending on climate, agriculture, and tradition. For example, sweets commonly consumed in north India are different from those consumed in south India. Other local practices also increase sugar consumption in meals, for example in the state of Gujarat (midwest India), there is a practice of adding sugar to all gravies, breads, curd, aamras (mango pulp), etc.
There is a strong relationship between calorie intake and obesity. In India, the prevalence of obesity is increasing at a rapid pace due to an increase in energy intake owing to increased purchasing power and availability of high fat, energy-dense foods, along with reduction in the energy expenditure consequent to urbanization and mechanization [1, 2].
COMMON SWEETS DURING FESTIVE SEASON IN INDIA
India has wide range of sweets during different festivals. The amount of sugar present in different type of Indian sweets varies considerable across the nation. For example Gulab jamun (medium size) contain 224 calories whereas kajukatri (medium size) has 101 calories per piece approximately [3]. Similarly juices are also as bad as sweetened drinks and beverages like Coca cola and Pepsi as they have added sugar.
Common sweets items with calories value and amount of different ingredients: [3]
S.no | Sweet(100 g) | Energy (kcal) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrate (g) | Protein (g) |
1 | Adhirasam | 498 | 15 | 86 | 4 |
2 | Badhusha | 436 | 25 | 50 | 4 |
3 | Burfi | 392 | 18 | 48 | 11 |
4 | Mysore pak | 505 | 32 | 52 | 2 |
5 | Jangiri | 426 | 23 | 51 | 5 |
6 | Gulab Jamun | 448 | 20 | 56 | 13 |
7 | Kaju katli | 404 | 18 | 49 | 8 |
8 | Ladoo | 404 | 18 | 56 | 6 |
9 | Sonpapdi | 445 | 23 | 50 | 9 |
10 | Rasagulla | 208 | 2.5 | 11 | 11 |
Though fruit juice Contains Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants, but it lacks vitamin C and fiber. It is loaded with sugar but nutritionally poor compared to whole oranges and other plant foods like vegetables.
E.g.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SUGAR ON VARIOUS ORGANS SYSTEM
In the cardiovascular system, the dangers of sugar are associated with high triglycerides level, total cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterols, hence increasing the propensity of cardiovascular disease (MI, Atherosclerosis etc.)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUGAR, OBESITY AND DIABETES
RECOMMENDATIONS OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (AHA) FOR SUGAR INTAKE
STRATEGIES TO REDUCE EXCESS INTAKE OF SUGAR CONSUMPTIONS
For an optimal and effective reduction in harmful effects of sugar intake, approaches from various sides including Policymakers, government, consumers, food manufacturers, and other agencies involved in food production (food and sugar substitute beverages) are required.
The most important among these is a firm political will that should specifically focus on curbing the rising prevalence of obesity, T2DM, and cardiovascular diseases in India.
These proposed strategies will not only help in reducing the dangers of sugar but will also have a meaningful impact on reducing the incidence of obesity and T2DM in India(7).
Proposed strategies for control of excess sugar intake | |
Government | Strict guidelines regarding sugar intake should be formulated. Spread awareness among consumers and the medical establishment regarding the ill effects of high sugar intake.Increasing taxation could be one of the strategies to curb increasing consumption of Sugar Substitute Beverages (Sugar Substitute Beverages (SSBs).Sale of Sugar Substitute Beverages (Sugar Substitute Beverages (SSBs) should be banned in school premises. Healthy alternative drinks should be made available to children.Warning labels such as “Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay” could be mandatory for Sugar Substitute Beverages (Sugar Substitute Beverages (SSBs).Increase access to free, safe drinking water in public places, schools, and offices to encourage water consumption instead of Sugar Substitute Beverages (Sugar Substitute Beverages (SSBs).Restriction of advertisements for commercial foods on television (during prime time and children’s programs).Decrease taxes on and prices of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other healthy foods. |
Consumers | Inculcate healthy eating habits in children from early childhood. Instead of sugar and fat-loaded sweets, opt for fresh fruits for dessert. Raisins and dates can also be consumed to “sweeten the mouth” post meals. Avoid gifting sweets; instead go for nuts and fresh fruits, etc. Cut down sugar in coffee and tea. Avoid intake of processed and packaged foods as much as possible. Cut down on intake of sweetened Sugar Substitute Beverages (Sugar Substitute Beverages (SSBs). Instead opt for natural drinks |
Food industries/ outlets | Nutritional labelling should include information on sugars present in the product in language understood to customers.Nutritional information of the foods (esp salt, carbohydrate and sugar) served in restaurants should also be given in the menu card. |
REFERENCES
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