The hidden health risks of green tea
The growing consumption of sweetened green-tea products has raised concerns from the National Economic and Social Development Board, which has warned that high consumption could lead to excessive sugar intake and diseases.
The board released a report yesterday, which said consumers were not aware of the amount of sugar in the products, which lack proper labels stating nutritional value. Consumers risk developing diseases such as diabetes, tooth decay and obesity. The state planning agency referred to figures from the National Statistical Office that revealed that sales of ready-to-drink green tea in 2003 reached Bt1.05 billion, and rose to Bt3.4 billion in 2004. Sales in 2005 would likely increase to Bt6 billion. A recent survey by the office indicated that 72 per cent of respondents consumed soft drinks and sweetened beverages. Among the respondents, 29 per cent drink these beverages every day, 14.2 per cent three or four days a week, and 22.4 per cent once or twice a week. Meanwhile, consumers have inadequate information to make a decision, the survey said. At a comparable weight, ready-to-drink green tea contains fewer nutrients than instant green tea due to additional sugar. Of the respondents, 51 per cent believe that ready-to-drink green tea is a health drink, 58 per cent don't know that it contains caffeine, and 72 per cent were not aware it contains an excessive amount of sugar which is inappropriate for good health. The recent survey shows that ready-to-drink green tea have a high level of sugar, 6.25 to 15 teaspoons, and 23.9 to 73.5ml of caffeine per 500ml unit. Another survey, by Mahidol University, found that 65 per cent of the ready-to-drink green tea across 23 brand names contains more than 50ml of caffeine per 500ml unit. The Public Health Ministry recommends that children should not have more than four teaspoons of sugar a day, and adults no more than six teaspoons. People in Thailand have about 19 to 20 teaspoons a day. One bottle of green tea provides between four and seven times more sugar than the minimum requirement, putting consumers at risk of diabetes, tooth decay and obesity. As a result, relevant parties should create a proper understanding among consumers and all producers should indicate on the label their level of sugar so consumers can make better decisions, the ministry said.
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