Health
Salt Week: Here's why salt and sugar can be bad for your health─── 09:11 Fri, 17 Mar 2023

It is Salt Week and Mid-Morning Magic’s Yolanda Maartens is joined by Mhairi Brown, International Projects Lead for the World Action on Salt and Sugar Health, to talk about why sugar is bad for you.
There are several reasons why consuming excessive amounts of sugar can be bad for your health:
- Weight gain: Sugary foods and drinks are high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. When you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess is stored as fat.
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. This is because high levels of sugar in the blood can cause the pancreas to produce more insulin, which over time can lead to insulin resistance.
- Dental problems: Sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Increased risk of heart disease: Consuming too much sugar can raise triglyceride levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Foods that are high in sugar are often low in nutrients, which means that consuming too much sugar can contribute to nutrient deficiencies and poor overall health.
It's important to note that not all types of sugar are bad for you in moderation, and that natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are a healthier choice than added sugars found in processed foods and drinks.
WASSH works with governments, health organizations, food companies and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the health risks associated with consuming too much salt, sugar and trans fats. These include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes.