by Ana Maria Quispe, a dietitian, an ecologist at Organic Way
The Health Department of New York in the United States has just published an important document with sufficient evidence that proves that taxes on sugary drinks are vital for health and especially to improve the economy. And the excitement that causes (whom we care about health more than the economy) is that not only would apply to all soft drinks but will be extended to any beverage that contains less than 70% fruit juice.
According to the document, taxes that increase the price of goods harmful to health are an efficient and proven way to reduce their consumption as evidenced by increases in cigarette taxes:
Among the most important arguments of this document are cited:
- 1% in taxes for every ounce of sweetened drinks increase the price of these drinks by 17% and reduce their consumption by 10%.
- $ 1 cigarette tax would create $ 200 million in revenue for the state of New York and a 1% tax for every ounce of sweetened beverages would create $ 450 million in revenue. Besides New York and spend a lot on health care for obesity, diabetes and diseases caused by smoking, which costs the state about $ 771 dollars per family in treatment of diseases of obesity and diabetes and $ 822 per family from diseases caused by smoking.
- America is the first country with more obesity in the world (Mexico is the second). The reason for the obesity in the United States is the consumption of sweetened beverages, the main source of sugars in the diet and studies have tested the association between consumption of these drinks and weight gain increasing obesity.
- Numerous studies have associated the consumption of sugary drinks with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, including factors such as increasing the radius of the waist, high blood pressure that contribute to both cardiovascular disease.
- Another study by Tufts University in Boston, conducted in 2006 also associated with consumption of dark sodas or colas (regular or diet) to lower bone density which increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis, attributed to content phosphoric acid specific ingredient of these queues.
- The consumption of sweetened beverages in children from 1-5 years is associated with an increased risk of cavities by 80 to 100%. Cavities are the most common and chronic problem in this age depriving a child (a) the ability to chew, speak and smile.
We commend the Department of Health New York, and we hope this serves as a model for actions that improve health and a growing economy in crisis.
