Urbanization, lifestyle changes, and processed foods are leading to unhealthy sugar consumption in Ghana and Africa, causing health hazards like obesity, diabetes, dental issues, cardiovascular disease, mood, and metabolic disorders. Raw sugar is not interchangeable with refined sugar.
Turbindo sugar, also known as raw sugar, is refined to maintain its natural molasses, flavors, and color. In 2022, Ghana imported $159m of raw sugar, becoming the 55th largest importer globally. The consumption of raw sugar is expected to reach 142,000 metric tons by 2026, with a 0.1% year-on-year growth rate since 2021
Sugar, in the form of glucose -artificial sweeteners, sucrose, and particularly brown sugar (which is fraud because brown sugar is actually white that has been colored brown, with an artificial sweetener called caramel)- are all dangerous and should be avoided.
Aspartame, a synthetic artificial sweetener promoted as a safe sugar source, is 200 times sweeter than white sugar and contains toxic methanol, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine. Excessive amounts of these ingredients can be harmful to the liver.
The FDA reports common symptoms of excessive aspartame use in the US include dizziness, nausea, vision problems, malaise, and recurrent headaches in sugar-free products.
Ghanaians should be aware of intrinsic and extrinsic sugars, which are naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables and are divided into milk extrinsic sugar found in milk products and non-milk extrinsic sugars added to food.
Dr Promise Edem Nukunu, CEO of MedNova Clinic, warns that excessive sugar consumption can contribute to health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, poor dental health, and nutritional deficiencies. He suggests reducing sugar intake, adopting healthier eating habits, and seeking support from nutritionists and therapists. He recommends governments focus on public health campaigns, nutrition education, stricter food industry regulations, and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
Source: Graphic online
