The " Twin " Evils !

It seems strange that the things that are killing the majority of Australian citizens are the opposite of each others tastes.   We are likely to die because we absorb too much sugar, or because our body is absorbing too much salt.

Even stranger, these " Evil Twins " seem to be freely on offer just about everywhere that food is sold to the public.   When we patronise a restaurant or a coffee shop, sitting on the table in front of us are pepper and salt shakers - and some form of sugar.

We are constantly warned to reduce the amount of sugar going into our bodies and the medical people despair at our salt levels.  The visible outcome from too much sugar is obesity.  The damage from too much salt is less visible, but sufferers will surely increase the risk of kidney disease and it is known to contribute to cardio vascular problems.

The main thrust of the anti sugar campaign is singling out sugar heavy soda drinks.   These drinks are heavily promoted on supermarket shelves and manufacturers are urged to reduce the sugar content. Unfortunately, it is that sweet taste that users are after and people who consume several cans of soft drink a day are unable to avoid an unhealthy sugar level in their bodies.

Salt is even more insidious.  It is the ingredient that makes most processed food so tasty and about seventy percent of the salt in our bodies comes from that source.  Unfortunately, where manufacturers heed the pleas of the health people and reduce the salt content the product loses taste appeal - and customers switch brands to another with a higher salt level.

This matter of salt and sugar reduction to improve the nation's health has been a conundrum for the government.  There is an obvious reluctance to dictate the extent that they are present in food and the main impetus has been on public education.  By law, food products now require a disclosure on their label of both the sugar and salt levels.   The onus is on the buyer to make healthy decisions when making a purchase.

Unfortunately, the human body quickly develops what is known as a " taste memory ".  That is the reason we add sugar to tea or coffee, and why most traditional meals end with a dish referred to as " Sweets ".   That level of sugar content becomes "normal " to satisfy our taste and if it is missing we tend to add to it.

That same addiction applies to salt.  To many people, drinking a beer needs to be accompanied by a salty snack.   That is why salty potato chips are so popular. or pretzels or salted peanuts.  Most beers themselves have both a high sugar and salt level in their composition.

The medical profession is becoming more strident in warning us that unless we reduce the intake of both sugar and salt we will experience elevated levels of cardio vascular disease, stroke, kidney disease and the afflictions that are shortening life spans.

It is unlikely that salt and sugar will disappear from the tables at cafes and restaurants.   With improved education, just less people actually using them !