Have you noticed how people are consuming store-bought food items more than before? Have you noticed a surge in foodies’ fascination to explore restaurants and cafes every week and savour sugary and oily food? Apart from eating food from outside, several other factors lead to people becoming unfit and obese. Seeing the alarming surge of such incidents, Germany is contemplating introducing a sugar tax.
What Do You Mean By Sugar Tax?
More than 50 per cent of adults residing in Germany are overweight, as shared by DW News. Alarmingly, over 7 per cent of people in this nation are suffering from diabetes. Germany is working on getting a sugar tax in the country. According to a report by The Indian Express, the primary reasons behind this significant plan are to control the increase in people facing obesity issues and encourage people to be healthy.
But how can a sugar tax contribute to combat these major problems globally? One of the biggest purposes of this specific tax system is to bring down the overall quantities of sugar consumption among people. Implementing it on sugar-loaded food items and drinks is effective in decreasing sugar intake. The Indian Express report further added that this plan has helped to reduce consumption in Mexico and the United Kingdom.
We are aware of the harsh health effects of eating sugar daily, especially in larger amounts. Not just obesity, this common kitchen ingredient increases the risk of cellular aging, acne issues, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and life-threatening diseases. Apart from the government taking steps for public health, we need to be mindful of everything we are eating daily.
Also read: Can Adding Fresh Lime And Black Pepper To Your Food Help Lower Blood Sugar Spike?
Which Countries Have Introduced It?
About 28 countries worldwide have implemented a sugar tax, as shared in a Contemporary Clinical Dentistry study. This information dates back to the year 2018. Over the years, more and more countries have agreed to finalise similar decisions for the betterment of the residents.
According to a report by the Obesity Evidence Hub, more than 50 countries added taxes on beverages sweetened with sugar till March 21, 2024. Some countries that have introduced taxes on these beverages are Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, Mexico, Mauritius, Norway, Seychelles, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
What are your views on the sugar tax? Let us know!
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