People love eating treats such as cake, cookies, and ice cream that were sweetened by sugar. When sugar is mixed into foods and beverages to enhance flavoring and longevity, it is referred to as added sugar. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a daily intake of added sugar less than ten percent of daily calorie intake. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to various health problems which may eventually lead to death. A high intake of added sugar can cause heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight gain. Sugar also occurs naturally in healthy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and grains.
Here are a couple of tips on how to stay healthy by cutting back on added sugars:
• Read the labels. Check the nutrition facts label on the packaging of your food. It typically gives you information about its added sugars. There are various types of added sugars that could be listed. The amount of sugar in your food, often measured in grams, is also listed on the nutrition facts label.
• Have a healthy diet. Find healthier alternatives to the sweet food and drinks with added sugar. Replace beverages such as soda with water and low-fat or fat-free milk. Satisfy sweet cravings with small amounts of whole foods. Talk with your doctor or caregiver about the recommended foods and beverages to include in your healthy diet.
Sugar may taste sweet, but the health effects are less so.