Added Sugars

Added Sugars’ Role in Heart Disease

In continuation of American Heart Month, we’re taking a look at a culprit of heart disease that hasn’t spent as much time in the spotlight as fat and sodium: added sugars.  Added sugars are the sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation. There are natural sugars found in foods like fruit or dairy, but these don’t count towards added sugars. This Apple Bread recipe is a good example of using naturally sweet foods.

A recent study suggests that eating too much added sugar is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The best way to tell if a food contains added sugars is to look at the Nutrition Facts label and read the list of ingredients. Look for:

 

anhydrous dextrose

brown sugar

confectioner’s powdered sugar

corn syrup

corn syrup solids

dextrose

fructose

high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

honey

invert sugar

lactose

malt syrup

maltose

maple syrup

molasses

nectars

pancake syrup

sucrose

sugar

How much added sugar is okay?

According to the study, most Americans consume an average of 22 teaspoons of added sugar every day! Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source. The American Heart Association recommends:

  • No more than 6 teaspoons or 100 calories a day of sugar for most women.
  • No more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories a day for most men.

Think you can create a day of meals while staying under the recommended limits? Take this New York Times Challenge and test your skills!

Written by Adriene Worthington, RD, LDN

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