Sugar is considered the LEADING CAUSE OF WEIGHT GAIN. According to research, Americans consume over 70 grams of added sugar per day. Sugar is found naturally in foods, thus most Americans are consuming well above 70 grams of sugar per day. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day.
One of the biggest problems contributing to the sugar epidemic, is that consumers are fooled into thinking that they are making a healthy choice if the ingredient list does not have the actual word “sugar.” This is so far from the case. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, added sugars show up on food labels under the following names:
- Anhydrous dextrose
- brown sugar
- cane crystal
- evaporated cane juice
- fructose
- fruit juice concentrate
- high fructose corn syrup
- honey
- malt syrup
- maltose
- lactose
- brown rice syrup
- sorbitol
This list is far from exhaustive. It is estimated, that there are over 100 different names for sugar. Can we say, “Buyer Beware.” Put the brakes on the excess sugar that you are unknowingly consuming. Read the product ingredient list. If you don’t recognize it or can’t pronounce it, research it. Chances are, it isn’t good for you.
NBC News, The Today Show recently featured a news piece on hidden sugar. For more, click this link to the The Today Show, here.
