A Taiwanese cardiologist advocates for balanced sugar intake and lifestyle habits, arguing that overall patterns of eating and activity are more crucial than banning sweets entirely, amid ongoing debates on sugar’s role in health.
Eating a lot of sweet foods or downing full-sugar bubble tea does not have to mean giving up dessert altogether, according to Taiwanese cardiologist Liu Chung-ping. In a Facebook post highlighted by Liberty Times, Liu argued that the bigger issue is not one sugary treat on its own but the overall pattern of eating, activity and body shape that determines how strongly sugar affects blood glucose control.
Liu’s comments came after debate in Taiwan over whether food in the south tastes sweeter than in the north, a discussion that has also prompted wider questions about how sugar intake affects health. He pointed to Japan as a comparison, saying that although Japanese people also eat sweets and pastries, the country’s diabetes burden is lower than Taiwan’s. His explanation was that Japanese daily life often involves more walking, smaller midday meals and tighter control of carbohydrate intake.
Public-health guidance backs up the warning on sugary drinks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sugar-sweetened beverages are linked with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. The American Heart Association has also warned that regular consumption of sugary drinks raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Liu said people who enjoy sweet foods can reduce the impact by following four habits: controlling overall intake, increasing physical activity, keeping an eye on waist size and cutting back on refined starches such as biscuits, noodles and white bread. He suggested that if someone has a sugary drink or dessert, they should balance it by eating less at the next meal. The broader point, he said, is that steady calorie control, regular exercise and monitoring blood sugar with a doctor matter more than banning sweetness completely.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
