Greatest UITES: Say No to Sugar
SADIK, Omolola Rukayat
I hope we all remember a particular primary school rhyme. It was one of our favourites. I am only going to quote a line from that rhyme: “sweet like sugar.” Well, of course. Sugar is sweet. But do you also know that sugar can be a sweet danger?
The Yorùbás’ famously say “oun to dun ni pani” (that is, ‘eating sweet stuff can be deadly’). In this context, they are not wrong. Overconsumption of sugar can kill, and one set of people who overconsume sugar, consciously or not, are students. Yes! We are among the groups of people who overconsume sugar.
One reason for this is our reliance on convenient, processed, and fast foods. These foods include junk foods like takeout, snacks, energy drinks, granola bars, and instant noodles. As we all know, it is difficult to find a well-balanced diet in most students’ lifestyles. Fast foods are easily accessible and are also appealing to us. We lead busy lives, and many times when we are hungry, we are simultaneously tired from school stress. So, we look for quick and easy solutions. We eat foods that we do not need to prepare or foods that get done quickly.
Many students love taking sodas. As I write, I can name 20 students that take sodas regularly. Soda, sports drinks, cereals, and beverages like tea and sweetened coffee creamers are popular choices among students. Some students consume energy drinks daily, all in the name of ‘TDB’ (well, this is a discussion for another time). These drinks are loaded with sugar. In addition, why take only ‘drink’ when you can complement it with something sweeter? Many students like to snack on sweet treats like biscuits, cakes, and pastries. It could be while studying late at night or at random moments.
Students, again, may turn to sugary foods as a coping mechanism for stress. Some students overeat to cope with the anxiety or emotional struggles they experience as a result of compounded academic stress.
Say no to sugar
Just as we promote saying no to drugs, we also need to emphasise saying no to sugar! Overconsumption of sweet food, as an article published by The Guardian states, is a serious form of substance abuse.
Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. However, problems occur when you consume too much ‘added sugar’ — that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavour or extend shelf life.
Consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on your physical and mental health, your academic performance, and your overall well-being. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It can also cause unstable energy levels, mood swings, and decreased cognitive function. This makes it harder for students to focus and learn.
High sugar intake can lead to dental cavities. It causes digestive issues and nutrient imbalances. Unbelievable as it sounds, overconsumption of sugar can disrupt sleep patterns. This can, in turn, lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and impaired mental health. In other words, if you consume too much sugar, you may experience decreased academic performance, reduced concentration in class, and even lower scores in assessments.
What to do
The negative effects of overconsumption of sugar cannot be overemphasized. It is impossible to stop taking sugar; however, it is feasible to reduce our sugar intake. The only way to avoid or deal with these effects is to take the necessary steps to reduce our sugar intake. We can do this by promoting a healthier lifestyle. Make it a habit to eat fruits and vegetables, eat whole foods, and limit your consumption of sugary drinks and snacks. You should also reduce your intake of cereals and junk food.
The message here is not to completely refrain from consuming sugar. As was previously established, the body needs sugar. The clamour is that you need to reduce your intake of sugar. So, to the students reading this article, say no to “sugar abuse.”
Photo credit: thenosugarcompany
