India is a nation of complex and varied perceptions, seen by some as a spiritual haven, by others as a digital powerhouse, and still by others as a land of poverty. It is known for its maharajas and rich traditions, yet also described as populous, and dirty. Unlike countries like France, synonymous with luxury, or America, celebrated for its freedom, India doesn't have a single identity—it is a vibrant mosaic, a rich land of diversity. This broad spectrum of identities makes India a fascinating topic for a more detailed discussion - will talk about this in detail maybe in another blog.
Turning to the topic of "white gold," otherwise known as sugar. India ranks among the countries with the highest incidence of diabetes. Excessive sugar consumption leads to diabetes, obesity and whatnot but has India always been like this? well, sugar was first manufactured in India, a country where a sweet tooth isn't just a preference but a part of the cultural fabric. Indians have long relished a range of sweet delicacies. However, this doesn't mean Indians consume sugar with every meal and we have not always been obese and diabetic. For Generation Z, and indeed for many of us, our exposure to sugar isn't just through traditional sweets but through nearly every packaged item consumed—from health drinks and sodas to breakfast cereals and tomato ketchup.
While one might assume that sugar consumption is high globally, the connection between Indians and sugar is uniquely strong, influenced by historical and socio-economic factors. Historically, India, having faced poverty since colonial times, sees FMCG companies adding more sugar to products aimed at the lower and middle-income segments than those in more developed markets. The reason? Sugar enhances taste at a low cost, making products more appealing in economically poorer nations. Moreover, sugar, as addictive as any drug, when consumed from a young age, can lead to a strong addiction, making it difficult for many Indians to reduce consumption abruptly.
Additionally, the famines during the British Raj led to genetic adaptations where Indian bodies became primed to store fat to prepare for long periods of starvation. This genetic trait means our bodies store more sugar as fat, which historically served as a survival mechanism. However, in today's context of food abundance, where sugar is pervasive across our diet, this adaptation contributes to health issues like diabetes due to excessive sugar storage.
Historically, Indians have consumed large amounts of sugar due to multiple circumstances, leading to various health issues. The solution isn't to eliminate sugar entirely but to be conscious of our intake. Awareness and moderation are key to managing consumption and mitigating associated health risks.