There’s no denying that sugar makes food yummy (and makes us happy). Unfortunately, too much of it also brings a whole host of health problems.
This month, our contributing dietitian highlights the hidden sugars in our food and drink, and discusses whether the new tax on sugary drinks will have the desired effect. He also shares the recipes for two fancy drinks (with no added sugar!) that you can make this holiday season.
On November 2, our government announced, for the first time, that a tax will be imposed on sugary drinks from April 2019. Sweetened beverages containing sugar exceeding 5 grams per 100ml and juices with sugar content of more than 12 grams per 100ml will be taxed 40 sen per litre. To get a better perspective, this means one can of regular soda (325ml) and a big bottle of 1.5L soda will be 13 sen and 60 sen more expensive respectively.
This tax is one of the government’s initiatives to tackle the rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country. Malaysia has the highest overweight and obesity rate in Asia with nearly half of the population in these categories. Being overweight is a main contributing factor to diabetes and has therefore also caused the diabetes rate in Malaysia to climb. In 2016, over 3.6 million Malaysians aged 18 and above were diabetic – that is about 17 percent of the total adult population, an alarming statistic indeed! Other than causing weight gain and promoting diabetes, excessive sugar intake has also been linked to increased risk of heart disease, cognitive decline, dementia, fatty liver (a condition in which excessive fat builds up in the liver) and cavities too.
WE CONSUME MORE SUGAR THAN WE REALIZE
Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
The Fertility Revolution
A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.
6 Skin Myths Debunked
A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.
Battling Two Cancers
Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.
