SAN JOSE, May 22. Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health announced today that it will deepen the new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on non-sugar sweeteners (ENA) to incorporate them into its local initiatives. ,
A press release from that portfolio specified that its technical teams are studying this guideline to reflect it in the National Strategy for a Comprehensive Approach to Non-Communicable Diseases and Obesity 2022-2030 and its Action Plan 2022-2025 Can be introduced in the awarding project. As well as in the country’s dietary guidelines.
The ministry noted that the WHO provision seeks to discourage the use of ENA as an alternative to replace sugar in the diet, traditionally promoted as an alternative to low-calorie or no-calorie products, for weight loss or healthy maintenance. to support.
However, accumulating evidence around the world and recently reviewed by the WHO indicates that these products are not effective for weight control and that they are also associated with other long-term health effects such as high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes.
Substituting free sugars for sweeteners does not help in controlling weight or diabetes in the long run, indicates the Ministry of Health.
According to WHO, consumption of sweets can increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and preterm birth in pregnant women, apart from weight gain and obesity.
Therefore, the WHO recommendation is to try to reduce the sweet taste of the diet from an early age to improve their health along with avoiding ENA intake.
