In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, sugar often finds itself at the centre of controversy, swiftly labelled as the enemy of good health.
But is it truly the villain many believe it to be?
While it’s easy to point fingers at sugar, this much-maligned nutrient is far more misunderstood than harmful.
Yes, excessive consumption can cause issues, but sugar itself plays a vital role in keeping us energised, particularly our brains and muscles, which rely on it to function effectively.
Instead of eliminating sugar entirely, the focus should be on understanding its importance and ensuring a balanced intake as part of a varied diet.
Sugar, in its simplest form, fuels the body’s cells, particularly the brain, keeping us alert and active. The problem only arises when too much sugar is consumed, leading to health complications.
Yet, with so much pressure to cut sugar out entirely, many overlook the fact that depriving the body of this necessary nutrient can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and other health issues.
To tackle these misconceptions head-on, a passionate group of students from the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have come together to raise awareness under the banner of SWEET Smart, promoting healthier sugar intake and a more balanced approach to nutrition.
Noor Yasirah Husna binti Haji Mohamad Yura Faizal, the assistant head of the SWEET Smart initiative, spoke about their inspiring campaign and its recent roadshow at St James’ School attended by 83 students.
MINDFUL EATING
Enthusiastic and driven, Noor Yasirah Husna shared how their mission aims to empower the younger generation, particularly school students, with essential knowledge about sugar intake and its impact on their health.
“Our campaign provides a platform to raise awareness among students about the importance of understanding how much sugar they consume,” Noor Yasirah Husna explained.
“During our talks, we cover key topics such as the recommended daily sugar limits, how to spot hidden sugars in nutrition labels, and the serious health risks associated with excessive consumption.”
With such engaging and informative sessions, SWEET Smart is not only busting myths but also shaping healthier habits for Brunei’s youth.
“There are many ways to have a healthy and balanced sugar intake, one of which is to be mindful of what you eat by consulting the nutritional value on the back of products.”
Noor Yasirah Husna shed light on one of the major stumbling blocks in managing a healthy sugar intake – the hidden sugars in canned drinks. These beverages, often deceptively high in sugar, are a common culprit in exceeding recommended daily limits.
She emphasised the importance of opting for plain water instead, a simple yet effective way to curb unnecessary sugar consumption.
She also pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued clear guidelines on sugar intake, advising that free sugars should account for less than 10 per cent of our total daily energy.
For the average adult consuming 2,000 kilocalories (kcal), this translates to just 50 grammes (g) or around 10 teaspoons of sugar.
“For reference, a typical canned drink can have around 39g of sugar, which is around eight teaspoons (of sugar).”
Beyond the obvious culprits like canned drinks, free sugars sneak into our diets in a variety of ways. These sugars are added by manufacturers, cooks, or even ourselves, and can be found in everything from honey and syrups to fruit juices and concentrates.
This hidden sugar intake can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to a host of health issues if not managed properly. Noor Yasirah Husna warned of the serious consequences linked to high sugar consumption, emphasising the increased risk of conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
“When we consume too much sugar, the body converts the excess into fat, which not only raises the risk of obesity but also opens the door to further health complications,”
she explained.
“This can lead to blood clots, increasing the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks, as well as contributing to diabetes and tooth decay.”
SHIFTING THE SUGAR NARRATIVE
Through these engaging roadshows, the students behind SWEET Smart are aiming to shift the conversation around sugar.
Rather than pushing for strict diets or the complete elimination of sugar, they’re encouraging people to make smarter, more informed decisions about their consumption.
It’s all about balance, not abstinence.
Noor Yasirah Husna highlighted that while educating the younger generation is crucial, parental guidance plays an equally important role in fostering healthy habits.
“To break the cycle of consuming large amounts of free sugars, especially from sources like canned sodas, parents need to be involved.
“It’s vital that children aren’t allowed to grow accustomed to these sugary drinks, as even a regular serving can surpass the daily recommended sugar intake,” she shared.
“Parents must instil a healthy mindset early on, encouraging their children to opt for healthier alternatives and not to rely on sugary snacks like chocolate and sweet drinks.”
By spreading awareness and educating others – particularly young people – about balanced sugar intake and the dangers of hidden sugars, groups like SWEET Smart are paving the way for a healthier, more informed society.
The key takeaway is clear: sugar, in itself, isn’t the villain. It’s the quantity we consume and the sources from which it comes that determine whether it harms or helps our health. – Daniel Lim
