Finance Minister Pravin Gordan announced during his budget speech that a tax increase on sugary drinks will be implemented from 1 April 2016. The tax increase targets sugar-sweetened beverages that according to research, cause health issues.
These drinks include soft, sports and energy drinks, vitamin waters, sweetened ice tea, fruit juices, cordials and squashes. Principal officer of Resolution Health Medical Scheme, Mark Arnold said that the tax on sugary drinks proposed by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is a step toward making South Africans healthier and should be welcomed.
“Resolution Health hopes that South Africans will think twice before buying sugary beverages, which are high in calories but have become a part of many people’s daily diet. These drinks should be enjoyed in moderation, part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Frequent use will make the problem of obesity worse,” explained Arnold.
A recent study conducted by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that 70 per cent of South African women and 40 per cent of South African men were overweight or obese.
Director of product development at Agility Global Health Systems Africa Dr Jacques Snyman explained that consuming sugary drinks can have serious implications on a person’s weight and health.
“It is easy to gulp down a lot of sugar in a drink without realising that this accounts for the large proportion of your daily calorie intake. These drinks have also become so accepted in South African culture that many people are drinking them far more than is healthy,” said Dr Snyman.
He says there are healthier alternatives to sugary drinks that are just as delicious. Citrus fruit, cucumbers, mint or lemon can be added to plain cold water. Dr Snyman also advises people to add in lemon juice to hot or cold water which is refreshing and mildly energising.
“If you are in need of more energy, try unsweetened green tea. Instead of fruit juice, try making your own smoothies by blending fruit with ice and unsweetened yogurt,” concluded Dr Snyman.
