It has been said that we consume more sugar in one day than people consumed in their entire life just two centuries ago.
According to the USDA, the average American consumes approximately one hundred and fifty-six pounds of sugar each year. A large portion of this comes from foods and drinks that contain added sugar, sugar that would not naturally be consumed.
Everyone knows that soda has added sugar, but according to Sugarstack.com some orange juice also has 48g of added sugar.
Whether it’s a coffee loaded with extra sugar or a sugary soda at lunch, most people consume high quantities of added sugar in a given day.
This modern diet is affecting North Americans in drastic ways. Weight gain, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease and type II diabetes are all at record high levels and are a growing concern for many Americans.
Although the FDA has not released a specific recommended daily value for sugar intake, they do advise that solid fats and added sugars should not surpass 15% of daily caloric intake. Meanwhile, the American Heart Association recommends that men consume 36 grams of sugar, and women just 24 grams of sugar per day.
In contrast to these recommendations, a can of coke contains 65 grams. Fruit juices and “vitamin water” tend to be branded as a healthy choice, but contain almost as much sugar as carbonated beverages. Glaceau brand Vitamin Water contains 33 grams of sugar in each bottle.
When it comes to your daily coffee break, skipping the sugar is advisable in most instances to prevent future health problems. If you still find you have a sweet tooth, one great lesser-known sugar replacement is called Stevia.
Stevia is a sweet plant in the sunflower family that is a great substitution because it is sweet but does not affect blood sugar levels. It also makes it a great alternative to artificial sweeteners because it is naturally occurring and not processed.
If you are interested in lowering your daily sugar intake, check out the University of Maryland’s Carbohydrate Calculator for a personalized carbohydrate recommendation.
For healthy recipes and more articles on wellness, check out this months issue of Wellness Zone.