The Legislative Yuan on Aug. 5 passed amendments to the Commodity Tax Act (貨物稅條例) that would exempt prepackaged drinks without added sugar from commodity taxes — a forward-thinking policy.
Although diabetes ranked third in National Health Insurance (NHI) expenditures in 2023, it was the fifth-leading cause of death in Taiwan last year. Furthermore, the complications associated with diabetes are alarming. Milder cases might experience skin allergies and slow-healing wounds, making things like surgery extremely difficult. Severe cases, however, can lead to amputations and even blindness. I have many friends, relatives and neighbors who have experienced this.
There are many possible reasons for this. Many families do not boil water for drinking at home; they keep cases of sugary drinks in stock instead. Furthermore, in the event of a diabetes diagnosis, many insurers often refuse to provide coverage. At that point, many of the medical expenses associated with diabetes must be paid out of pocket.
Therefore, nationwide measures to prevent diabetes would not only help to “slim down” the overburdened NHI system, but would also help people save money and live happier, healthier lives. In fact, many people have already begun a quiet sugar-reduction revolution.
Ten years ago, sugar-free soy milk, green tea and yogurt drinks only accounted for a small portion of the refrigeration section at convenience stores. Today, sugar-free beverages have become mainstream and often sell out early. It is a shame that many food manufacturers have not yet come to terms with this shift in consumer trends and insist on using outdated recipes that have high sugar content. In the end, such companies might be left behind by the times.
In the past, when people were not as well-off as they are today, sweets and sugary beverages were considered luxuries that were enjoyed only on occasion. Taiwanese today are much more affluent; there is virtually no limit to how much we can consume. In addition, thanks to Taiwan’s advanced agricultural practices and technology, nearly every kind of fruit — with the exception of lemons — is now extremely sweet, which further adds to the burden on our bodies.
Instead of constantly worrying over ever-fattening health insurance costs, the government should think about shedding some weight at the source — using the most effective methods to guide the public on learning how to lead healthier lifestyles. When people look after their own health, thereby preventing illness, they are naturally able to reduce healthcare spending. Excessive sugar intake, on the other hand, is the sweetest burden for us all.
It is not as difficult as you might think. You can reduce your sugar intake gradually — start by working your way from very sweet drinks, to adding 70 percent sugar, then 50 percent, then 30 percent and so on. I am at the point now where I only drink unsweetened beverages — a change I made after seeing far too many people around me with diabetes who are forced to take medication for life and are affected by the disease’s numerous complications. My own parents are the best example.
While food conglomerate Uni-President Enterprises Corp only reduced the cost of each beverage by NT$1, this is still a good start. Hopefully, all other producers would follow suit — the policy could even be extended to bubble tea shops as well. Bringing your own reusable cup already earns a discount, so unsweetened drinks should be given similar treatment.
In an era where artificial additives are put in nearly everything, we should not only make an effort to eat whole, natural foods, but also enjoy beverages with original and natural flavors.
Jimmy Hsu is a farmer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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