Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Singaporeans starting to eat healthier now: Survey

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singaporeans-starting-eat-healthier-now-survey
By Salma Khalik & Felicia Choo, The New Paper, 20 November 2018 at 06:00 am


The latest survey found that people here are eating more wholegrain, fruit and vegetables.
PHOTO: The latest survey found that people here are eating more wholegrain, fruit and vegetables.
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While they eat more wholegrain, fruit and vegetables, they still eat take in a lot of sugar and salt

Singaporeans are starting to improve their diets and cut back the calories after alarming rises in recent years.

Intake had gone up from 2,110 calories a day in 1998 to 2,600 by 2010, raising worries of an obesity epidemic.

The National Nutrition Survey 2018 shows a small reversal in this trend, with a mean intake of 2,470 calories a day. The recommendation for people with sedentary lifestyles is 2,200 calories a day for men and 1,800 for women.

Mr Zee Yoong Kang, chief executive officer of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), which carried out the survey, said: "The trend of worsening diet has been arrested."


Mr Zee Yoong Kang, chief executive officer of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), carried out the survey
PHOTO: Mr Zee Yoong Kang, chief executive officer of the Health Promotion Board (HPB), which carried out the survey, said: "The trend of worsening diet has been arrested."
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The survey was carried out every six years between 1998 and 2010, but will now be done annually, with reports produced every two years to provide more up-to-date information.

The latest survey found that people here are eating more wholegrain, fruit and vegetables, but their high consumption of sugar and salt has caused the authorities concern.

Nine in 10 people here are eating more than the recommended 5g of salt a day.

The average amount of salt eaten here is almost double that, at 9g. High salt intake raises blood pressure, which in turn puts people at risk of heart problems and stroke, said Mr Zee.

Much of the salt is added when cooking food. Sauces, seasoning and stock in cooked food make up 75 per cent of salt in the diet.

Sugar intake went up from 59g a day in 2010 to 60g, or about 12 teaspoons, this year.

The World Health Organisation's recommendation is 25g a day.

The HPB said: "Singaporeans are consuming less sugar from drinks, but more from food, for example, confectionery and desserts. Nonetheless, pre-packaged sugar-sweetened drinks remain the single largest source of sugar in the diet, and more needs to be done to reduce sugar consumption from this source."


Running is the best way to stay fit both physically and mentally.PHOTO: Running is the best way to stay fit both physically and mentally.
The HPB said: "Singaporeans are consuming less sugar from drinks, but more from food, for example, confectionery and desserts. Nonetheless, pre-packaged sugar-sweetened drinks remain the single largest source of sugar in the diet, and more needs to be done to reduce sugar consumption from this source."
Picture posted by Depositphotos Inc - Running away on rural road is a form of athlete training with proper short and running shoes.
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Singapore is considering imposing a tax on soda drinks, which about 30 countries - including Thailand - have done.

But for carbohydrates, there has been a positive shift to healthier ones.

Unrefined carbohydrates now make up 17 per cent of all carbohydrates eaten, up from 14 per cent in 2010.

WHOLEGRAIN
The HPB said: "This was largely the result of increased consumption of wholegrain, as well as fruit and vegetables."

Total fat, though, has risen from 28 per cent of food intake in 2004 to 35 per cent today, which is at the upper range of the recommended amount.

Dr Rani Sarmugam, the survey's principal investigator, said the bulk of fat comes from cooking oil, coconut milk and creamers.


If I couldn't have some of my favourite things when I run, I might pout, stomp and become petulant.
PHOTO:  If I couldn't have some of my favourite things when I run, I might pout, stomp and become petulant. Some of my fav things are essential. Others pamper me. A few add so much to my running life, they even improve my performance. Fav hydration drink - the nutrients and electrolytes in this drink replenish and re-energize.
Picture posted by Priscelia Chin On 23 February 2016 - Confessions of a Singapore Running Girl with Her Running Gear
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By Salma Khalik & Felicia Choo, The New Paper, 20 November 2018 at 06:00 am
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Reference
[1] Salma Khalik & Felicia Choo, The New Paper, Singaporeans starting to eat healthier now: Survey, posted on 20 November 2018 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singaporeans-starting-eat-healthier-now-survey


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