Sugar is Going To Kill Us All!

Americans are taking in 22 teaspoons of sugar per day and it's time to cut way back, the American Heart Association says. Most of that extra sugar comes from soda and candy — 355 calories, the equivalent of  two cans of soda and a chocolate bar.

Women should be getting no more than 6 teaspoons a day, or 100 calories, of added sugar — the sweeteners and syrups that are added to foods during processing, preparation or at the table. For men, the recommended limit is 9 teaspoons, or 150 calories.The guidelines do not apply to naturally occurring sugars like those found in fruit, vegetables or dairy products.

Take note:
8 ounces of fruit-flavored yogurt has about 6 teaspoons of added sugar.
8 ounces of low-fat chocolate milk has about 4 teaspoons.
1 cup of frosted whole grain cereal has about 3 teaspoons.

Soda Pop Anyone?
Soft drinks are the worst, followed by candy, cakes, cookies and pies. With about 8 teaspoons of added sugar, a regular 12-ounce soft drink will put most women over the recommended daily limit. To check for added sugar, look for a variety of ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, molasses or evaporated cane juice on the label.

Teens Looking Obesity Right in the Eye
One national health survey has shown that kids 14 to 18 consume an eye-popping 34 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Parents can help lower that sugar intake by getting soda out of the house, looking at how much sugar is in their kids' cereal and substituting snacks like cookies with popcorn.

A man in his early 20s who walks more than three miles a day could consume about 288 calories, or about 18 teaspoons, of added sugar. Americans simply eat too many discretionary calories— the number of calories remaining after a person eats the foods needed to meet nutrient requirements. If you are consuming excessive amounts of added sugar, you will add calories, which leads to weight gain.