In a significant move, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed revised dietary guidelines to address high sugar content in packaged foods and drinks, a first for India and an alternative to the 13-year-old policy that focused on calorie thresholds.
The new guidelines compiled by the NIN Expert Committee set specific limits on sugar content. For solid foods, the proposed thresholds are approximately 5% of total energy intake from added sugars and a maximum of 10% of all sugars (including natural ones). For beverages, the limits are stricter, with a proposed threshold of 10% of total energy intake. Added sugars Maximum 30% total sugars (including natural sugars in fruit juice and milk).
The shift in focus from calories to sugar reflects growing concern about the negative health effects of excessive sugar intake. If implemented, the proposed guidelines would: Sugar content of packaged products Available in India.
According to Dr. Bhabina NM, chief medical officer at the Jindal Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, the change, if passed, could over time help people reduce their overall sugar intake and promote better eating habits. She added that the move would also make people more aware of the amount of sugar in their foods, encouraging them to carefully examine labels and make educated decisions.
The amount of sugar in packaged foods varies. Certain items, like candy and soft drinks, can have extremely high amounts of added sugar. “For example, one can of soda has about 39 grams, or 10 teaspoons, of sugar,” Dr. Babina said, giving an example.
Product categories not typically associated with sweetness, such as bread, sauces and snack foods, contain significant amounts of hidden sugar, she added.
These hidden Sugars Although consumers may not be fully aware of it, this is contributing to an increase in total sugar consumption. This change could help improve long-term health outcomes by reducing sugar cravings and over-intake of sugary foods.
How does sugar in packaged foods affect our health?
Dr Babina said the sugar in packaged foods could harm health in a number of ways: increased sugar intake has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and dental problems.
“Eating too much sugar can worsen metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of liver disease and stroke. A diet high in sugar can also cause energy spikes and crashes, which can affect your mood and general energy levels,” she said in an interview. India Express website.
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First uploaded: May 30, 2024 9:30 AM
