Current scientific consensus does not support the idea that sugar substitutes in beverages are effective against cancer. In fact, the research is primarily focused on whether they cause cancer or have other negative health effects, and the findings are complex and sometimes conflicting. Here's a sumRead more
Current scientific consensus does not support the idea that sugar substitutes in beverages are effective against cancer. In fact, the research is primarily focused on whether they cause cancer or have other negative health effects, and the findings are complex and sometimes conflicting.
Here’s a summary of what the major health organizations and research suggest:
* No strong evidence of causing cancer: Many regulatory bodies, like the FDA, and organizations like Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund, generally state that there is no strong evidence that approved artificial sweeteners cause cancer in humans at typical consumption levels.
* “Possibly carcinogenic”: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) in 2023. This classification means there is limited, but not convincing, evidence of cancer in humans, or convincing evidence in experimental animals but not both. It’s not a definitive link and highlights the need for more research.
* Some studies suggest a link: Some observational studies, like a 2022 study of over 100,000 French adults, have suggested a potential link between higher consumption of artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K) and an increased overall cancer risk, including breast and obesity-related cancers. However, these are observational studies, which means they can show an association but not necessarily a direct cause and effect. Other factors could be at play.
* Focus on reducing sugar: A more established link is between high sugar consumption (especially from sugar-sweetened beverages) and an increased risk of weight gain and obesity, which in turn is a known risk factor for many cancers. Therefore, the general recommendation from health organizations is to limit sugar-sweetened drinks and prioritize water or unsweetened alternatives.
* Not a “cure” or “treatment”: There is no evidence whatsoever that sugar substitutes act as a treatment or are “effective against” cancer. Cancer treatment involves specific medical interventions.
In conclusion, while sugar substitutes are often used to reduce calorie intake and manage weight (which can indirectly impact cancer risk by preventing obesity), there is no scientific basis to claim they are “effective against cancer” in a direct sense. The ongoing research is mainly concerned with their safety and potential long-term effects on human health.
According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and other sources, there are approximately 89 functional sugar mills in Pakistan as of recent data. Of these: * 45 are in Punjab * 37 in Sindh * 7 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) It's challenging to provide a complete, exhaustive list of evRead more
According to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and other sources, there are approximately 89 functional sugar mills in Pakistan as of recent data. Of these:
See less* 45 are in Punjab
* 37 in Sindh
* 7 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
It’s challenging to provide a complete, exhaustive list of every single sugar mill and their current owners due to the dynamic nature of business ownership and the large number of individual mills. However, some of the prominent sugar groups and their associated mills, along with some individual large mills, include:
Major Sugar Groups/Companies and some of their associated mills:
* JDW Group: JDW Sugar Mills Ltd. (a major player with significant crushing capacity).
* Almoiz Group: Al-Moiz Industries Ltd., Al-Moiz Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Sharif Group of Companies: Ramzan Sugar Mills.
* RYK Group: Rahim Yar Khan Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Tandlianwala Sugar Mills Ltd. (TSML Group): Tandlianwala-I Sugar Mills Ltd., Tandlianwala-II Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Al-Noor Group: Al-Noor Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Fatima Group: Fatima Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Premier Group: Premier Sugar Mills Ltd., Chashma Sugar Mills Ltd. (Units I & II).
* Habib Group: Habib Sugar Mills Ltd.
* The Thal Industries Corporation Ltd.: (Operates mills like Layyah and Safina).
Other notable mills mentioned in various sources include:
* Adam Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Alliance Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Army Welfare Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Ashraf Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Baba Farid Sugar Mills.
* Bannu Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Chanar Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Chaudhry Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Deharki Sugar Mills (Pvt) Ltd.
* Digri Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Etihad Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Faran Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Hunza Sugar Mills (Pvt) Limited.
* Husein Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Indus Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Ittefaq Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Jauharabad Sugar Mills Ltd.
* JK Sugar Mill.
* Kashmir Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Khairpur Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Khazana Sugar Mills (Pvt) Ltd.
* Madina Sugar Mills Pvt. Ltd.
* Macca Sugar Mills (Pvt) Limited.
* Noon Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Popular Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Rasool Nawaz Sugar Mills (Pvt) Ltd.
* Seven Star Sugar Mills.
* Shahtaj Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Sheikhhoo Sugar Mills Ltd.
* Shakarganj Mills Ltd.
* Tariq Corporation Limited.
It is important to note that ownership can be complex, with some mills being publicly listed companies, others privately owned, and some belonging to larger industrial groups. For the most up-to-date and specific ownership information, one would typically need to consult company financial reports, Pakistan Stock Exchange listings (for publicly traded companies), or the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA).