Added Sugars
- Vanoy Harris
- Aug 13, 2023
- 1 min read

Where does added sugar come from?
Nearly 8 out of 10 adults are trying to reduce sugar in their diets.
Almost half of the added sugar in the American diet comes from one source: sugary drinks.
Other sources include baked goods, candy, cereals, dairy products and desserts.
The AHA recommends limiting added sugar to 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for most men and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for most women and children over 2.
The average adult gets about 17 teaspoons of sugar each day -- almost double the limit for men and triple the limit for women!
Subtract Added Sugars
Make smart choices as part of an overall healthy eating pattern:
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables of all colors and types.
Cut back on the amount of sugar you add to foods and drinks.
Choose mostly nutrient-dense foods instead of empty calories.
Replace sugary drinks with water and sugar-free options.
Read labels to find products with less added sugars.
Your Health
Too much added sugar may put you at higher risk for:
Cardiovascular disease
Cognitive problems, including dementia and Alzheimer’s
Colon cancer
Diabetes
High blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Obesity
Pancreatic cancer
Retina, muscle and nerve damage
Too much added sugar may cause:
Cavities/tooth decay
Inflammation
Overeating
Increased waist size
Weight gain
Skin aging and wrinkles
Learn more at heart.org/healthyforgood
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