High sugar consumption a huge factor in poor health

Today sees the publication of what's been touted as Britain's biggest-ever health and diet survey, completed by over 55,000 people online.

Led by nutritionist Patrick Holford, the 100% Health Survey concludes that consuming sugary snacks more than doubles the chances of being in poor health. Avoiding them completely means one is six times more likely to be in optimum health.

According to Holford, 'Consumption of sugary snacks was the best predictor of poor health for every health factor we looked at - energy, digestion, immunity, hormonal and mental health. This survey confirms that sugar is the worst bad food - much worse than alcohol or salt'.

The survey paints a rather bleak picture of the average Brit being tired, grumpy, constipated, stressed and sleepy. Two thirds of respondents were bloated, most were constipated, almost two thirds of women suffered from PMT and 80% were frequently tired.

Most of this, says Holford, is down to our love of sugary snacks, salt, meat, wheat and dairy products - though it's important to remember the crucial role of exercise in keeping energy levels high and the body healthy.

There's no doubt that we are, as a nation (and in the West generally) addicted to sugar, stodgy foods - it's impossible to buy processed food, such as baked beans or ready meals, that aren't brimming with sugar.

The long-term effects on our health are only just becoming clear.

Lucia Cockcroft, editor