Health authorities warned parents to exercise caution in giving children too much of sugar content sweets following findings that excess weight among children was a health hazard.
“Excess weight among children, particularly the school going is a problem for the health authorities because biscuits have become a favorite of theirs,” was the message sent out to parents by Dr. Renuka Jayatissa of the Health Ministry last week.
Health authorities warned parents to exercise caution in giving children too much of sugar content sweets following findings that excess weight among children was a health hazard.
“Excess weight among children, particularly the school going is a problem for the health authorities because biscuits have become a favorite of theirs,” was the message sent out to parents by Dr. Renuka Jayatissa of the Health Ministry last week.
Dr. Jayatissa revealed that a biscuit contains as much as 275 calories which to get out of the body one needs to do walking exercises.
“Manufacturers too need to be aware of this health hazard and reduce the sugar quota in their products,” added Dr. Jayatissa.
The medical expert also sent out a warning in general to consumers against the use of excess sugar saying that consumption of six cups of tea a day amounted to taking in 120 calories.
“Sugar is the No. 1 cause for excess weight and manufacturers too need to reduce the sugar intake by 5 per cent to 10 per cent an year. Dr. Jayatissa also warned that excess weight was mainly due to lack of physical exercise and alcohol consumption.
Also highlighted the excess salt threat which increases water on the body leading to high blood pressure which led to paralysis, heart diseases and serious kidney ailments. which were life threatening.
For the record, there were heart related fatalities, 62 cases of paralysis and 49 per cent heart related patients this year.
Consumers were also warned against using frying oil other than coconut oil. “Adding hydrogen to vegetable oil through a process of dehydration carries the cholesterol threat creating trans fat, according to the doctor who also advised against adding sugar to vegetable preparations which created trans fat.
Dr. Jayayissa, who pointed out that there were 30 per cent of high blood pressure patients in Sri Lanka, advised the general public to consume more fruits and vegetables and grain to stay healthy. Ideally, one banana and not two is prescribed and the same goes for fruits which if over consumed caused too much calories.
“Housewives use about two teaspoonfuls of table salt, but ideally one spoon is advised and it is better to reduce it to three fourths to achieve a the normal amount,” she advised.
http://www.nation.lk/edition/index.php/todays-news/item/792-sugar-not-%E2%80%98sweet%E2%80%99-for-child
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