Sugar Facts

 

POINT TO PONDER:

If consuming about 2,000 calories/day, average sugar intake would equate to 20 teaspoons.

Recommendations for added sugar consumption are:

• Women - no more than100 calories (6 tsp.) daily
• Men - no more than 150 calories (9 tsp.) daily
• Sugar is a natural component in many foods & recipes as an added ingredient improving the overall food product or recipe flavor, texture, and palatability.
• Sugar is a derivative from sugar cane or sugar beets.
• Sugar adds calories though not necessarily vitamins or minerals compared to other carbohydrates
• Sugar is categorized as a “simple” carbohydrate- it is broken down into glucose faster and absorbed into the body quickly.

HELP TO MODIFY YOUR SUGAR INTAKE BY …

• reducing sweetened beverages except those that are rich in calcium & vitamins
• reducing those extra condiments, toppings, and candies that quickly increase sugar and calories
• researching websites that explain sugar reduction and increase use of natural sweeteners
• increasing intake of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables with natural vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients
• increasing complex whole-grain carbohydrates- snack foods rich in fiber
• drinking more water with zero calories, no added sugars

An added benefit to controlling your intake of “simple” carbohydrates (sugars) would be to maintain a normal weight as recommended by physicians and other health professionals and stay active!
Sources: American Heart Association
www.heart.org | www.FoodInsight.org