Is sugar killing us?
New research shows global diets are getting sweeter along with a growing health crisis.
People around the world are eating more and more sugar and sweetners.
Health experts warn they’re contributing to a growing health crisis and suffering from heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
The warning’s backed by new research published in the Lancet medical journal.
The authors say 68 percent of packaged foods and drinks in the US contain caloric sweeteners. Seventy-four percent contain both caloric and low-calorie sweeteners.
Most sugar is consumed in the US, UK, Latin America and Australasia.
But much of the developing world, where consumption is rising most rapidly, will also be at risk if the additives are not stopped.
So, are manufacturers trying to keep us addicted to the sweet stuff? And what should we do about it?
Presenter: Sami Zeidan
Guests:
Dina Labuschagne – dietitican and nutritionist at Evolve Mind Body and Soul.
Bryony Sinclair – Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the World Cancer Research Fund International.
Leonie Joubert – specialist on food security and author of ‘The Hungry Season: Feeding Southern Africa’s Cities’.