In wake of the soaring cases of type-2 diabetes and obesity in the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged all nations to introduce tax on the sugary drinks.
According to a recent report by the organisation, increasing the prices of such beverages by 20% or more would result in proportional reduction in their consumption and help in improving the health of people across the globe. Explaining the mechanics behind the harmful impacts of sugar consumption, WHO said that the reduced consumption of sugary drinks would lead to lower intake of free sugars and calories, which in turn would help in improving the nutritional health of people.
“If governments tax products like sugary drinks, they can reduce suffering and save lives. They can also cut healthcare costs and increase revenues to invest in health services,” Dr Douglas Bettcher, Director of WHO’s Department for the Prevention of NCDs said in a press release.
While many countries including Mexico and Hungary have already introduced fiscal measures to protect people from unhealthy products, others including Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland too have announced their intentions to implement taxes on sugary drinks.
In light of the growing concern about the harmful impacts of sugary drinks around the globe, here are some examples of sugary drinks that are silently killing you:
Red Bull
Red Bull is a popular energy drink that can have a devastating impact on your body. Its effect starts from 30 minutes after consumption and can last up to 12 days! It’s harmful impacts include increased blood pressure, increased in heart rate, spike in blood sugar levels, headaches, irritability and constipation.
Coke
Coke is long known for having a negative impact on the body. Its harmful effects include spike in blood sugar levels, weight gain, increased blood pressure, depletion of calcium levels in the body, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Diet Coke
Diet coke is as unhealthy as regular coke. Though the drink reads ‘sugar-free’, it basically uses aspartame, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Some studies have even linked Aspartame with cancer. The harmful impacts of diet coke include increased chances of stroke, heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, poor concentration, fatigue and irritability.
