There is no doubt that I enjoy sweets, but one must remember to enjoy sugary treats in moderation. Foods that have added sugar usually provide extra calories with little or no nutrients.
In 2009, the American Heart Association recommended that:
- women should consume less than about 25 grams (100 calories) of added sugars per day
- men should consume less than about 37.5 grams (150 calories) of added sugars each day
The ingredients list can give you information about the type(s) of added sugar in a particular food. Nutrition labels can help you count the amount of sugar that you consume each day.
Added sugars include:
- high fructose corn syrup
- corn syrup or corn sweetener
- brown sugar
- fruit juice concentrate
- sucrose
- glucose
- malt syrup
- honey
- agave
Consider decreasing your added sugar intake to lower your risk of:
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- stroke
As you decrease the amount of sugar in your diet, you can discover new, more natural flavors and better health.
For more information visit http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=800