Do People from India Eat a Lot of Sugar?
It is a well-known fact that Indians tend to consume more carbohydrates, less protein (both animal and plant-based) and less fruit and vegetables than what is recommended in newly published dietary guidelines. But what is lesser known is that Indians also tend to eat much more sugar and processed food than what is recommended, even when they have the money to eat more diversified diets.
This is particularly concerning because high sugar consumption can lead to a range of health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. In India, the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, with an estimated 77 million people living with the condition in 2017. This is largely attributed to the high sugar consumption among Indians.
The Indian diet is largely based on carbohydrates, with rice and wheat being the two main staples. This is supplemented with a variety of other carbohydrates, such as millet, maize, and sorghum. These are often eaten with a variety of condiments, such as chutneys, pickles, and sauces, which are high in sugar.
Processed foods are also popular in India, and these are often high in sugar. Many of these foods are marketed as being healthy, but they are actually high in sugar and low in nutritional value. For example, breakfast cereals, instant noodles, and packaged snacks are all high in sugar and low in nutrients.
It is clear that Indians are consuming far too much sugar, and this is having a detrimental effect on their health. To reduce sugar consumption, it is important to make healthier food choices. This means eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and reducing the amount of processed and sugary foods. It is also important to limit the amount of carbohydrates consumed, and to focus on eating more protein and healthy fats.
By making these changes, Indians can reduce their sugar consumption and improve their overall health. This is an important step in reducing the prevalence of diabetes and other health issues in India.
