Pure, white and deadly - the tip of the iceberg?
SACN's recommendations on free sugars are welcome even if they are 40 years overdue, says the British Association for AppliedNutrition and NutritionalTherapy (BANT).
Professor John Yudkin published his book Pure, White and Deadly in 1972 and was vilified by the nutrition establishment. Now everyone knows he was right. Better late than never, if we are to tackle the health crisis facing the nation. But, and it is a big 'but', epidemiologists who suggest that it is simply sugary drinks that are the problem are wrong, they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Fructose is the problem and it has been the food manufacturers' sweetener of choice since the 1970s. Coupled with a more sedentary population, it has proven the foundation of the diabesity epidemic. No-one should underestimate the challenge ahead in changing habits, but focusing solely on sugary drinks is not seeing the bigger picture.
Public Health England now have to translate SACN's report into yet more 'evidence-based' guidance as clearly what has been recommended over the last 25 years is questionable. The government does not try to give medical advice but rather leaves it to the professionals: they should do the same with nutrition and diet.
Find out more about BANT and its mission here.
