Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenay Topsakal, speaking to raise public awareness and highlight healthy lifestyle habits during World Sugar Reduction Week, stated the following: “This special week aims not only to draw attention to sweets, but also to create societal awareness about the negative effects of excessive and unmindful sugar consumption on health. Excess sugar that we unknowingly consume in daily life causes energy fluctuations such as sudden fatigue and weakness, weight gain and increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as well as skin problems and premature aging. It should be remembered that the goal is not to completely eliminate sugar from our lives, but to make balanced and conscious consumption a habit.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenay Topsakal: “Let’s Take Steps Toward a Healthy Life Together.”

Highlighting that small but effective steps can be taken to reduce sugar intake and that we should review our beverages, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şenay Topsakal continued: “Carbonated drinks, ready-made fruit juices, and sweetened teas are the biggest hidden sources of sugar. Instead, water, mineral water, unsweetened herbal teas, or homemade lemonade can be preferred. By developing the habit of reading labels, always check the labels of products, especially packaged foods, in the market. Pay attention to terms such as sugar, glucose syrup, fructose syrup, and corn syrup. Prefer natural options. When you crave something sweet, try to satisfy it with fresh or dried fruits (dates, apricots, figs…) instead of packaged products. By making homemade cookies or cakes, you can reduce the sugar you add by half or even more. Reducing sugar in recipes often does not significantly affect the taste. By planning your snacks between main meals, keep healthy alternatives (a handful of walnuts, almonds, yogurt, fruit…) with you to avoid sugary snacks. Remember, this is not a diet, but a lifestyle change. Small steps make a big difference. In our tea culture, sugar has an important place, but we can try to discover the natural taste of tea. Today, you can start by adding half a sugar cube instead of a full one to your tea, drinking an extra glass of water, or eating a fresh fruit.”