Caribbean Food Emporium

 

Sweet temptation

We should all eat less sugar, according to the World Health Organisation. But sugar is a natural food – and it tastes good. Just how bad can it be?

We all know we eat too much sugar. Even those with the healthiest of diets can find themselves reaching for a sugar hit when that afternoon energy slump sets in. But last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that sugar consumption, especially in the West, has got way out of hand and said it was time we called a halt. Their new report says that sugar should make up no more than 10 per cent of a balanced diet. The WHO compiled the report with the help of 30 international experts, including the leading scientist on obesity in the US. It says the report "contains the best currently available scientific evidence on the relationship of diet, nutrition and physical activity to chronic diseases". It also calls for a clampdown on salt and saturated fats.

Sugar provides us with virtually no nutrients, so if we stopped eating it tomorrow we wouldn't be any less nourished. It is not your friend and so have as less sugar as possible in your diet. To do this you will have to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your tea or coffee or juice. Have cereals without sugar. Avoid non-diet soft drinks. Instead, enjoy diet drinks/minerals or 100% fruit juice. Minimise the intake of so-called treats like biscuits, chocolates, sweets and cakes.