High Sugar Levels Will Kill Us: Zerodha's Nithin Kamath On Indian Food

"We Indians need to question what goes into the food we consume”: wrote Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath on X.

Recently, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has recommended the appropriate levels of sugar content in packaged foods and beverages.

In response, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath said it's high time that Indians become concerned about the quality of food they consume. 

On X, Kamath said it’s important to question the ingredients in our food and to make informed choices to combat the alarming levels of sugar, adulteration, and harmful chemicals found in common food items.

“The more we ask, the better choices we will have. The sugar content in most of our food is ridiculous. Adulteration in food items like masalas, milk and protein”: wrote Kamath on X.

He added: “And then there are substandard chemicals used in food colouring and preservatives in fruits and vegetables. They are all slowly killing us. This applies to both packaged foods and food from many restaurants."

We Indians need to question what goes into the food we consume. The more we ask, the better choices we will have. The sugar content in most of our food is ridiculous. Adulteration in food items like masalas, milk and protein. And then there are substandard chemicals used in food… pic.twitter.com/rJet0s14PG

— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) May 28, 2024

The new guidelines proposed by the NIN are set to impact a wide array of branded products, including soft drinks, juices, cookies, ice creams, cereals, and more. These guidelines represent a shift towards addressing the sugar content in foods and beverages, a crucial step in promoting healthier dietary habits among the populace.

What did the NIN recommend?

The decision was made amidst disputes over the excessive sugar content of infant food and malted drinks on social media and other forums, as well as growing concerns about obesity and diabetes.

Revised recommendations by a team of experts specify that the threshold for sugar should be around 5% energy from added sugar, and not exceeding 10% energy from total sugar for solid meals.

Criticism:

Packaged food executives doubt the practicality of the recommendations, while health advocates argue for their importance in addressing obesity and diabetes. Nithin Kamath emphasises the need for individuals to scrutinise their food choices to take control of their health and well-being.