### The Health Risks of Consuming Too Much Added Sugar Consuming too much added sugar can lead to a variety of health problems. Research has shown that high intake of added sugars is linked to at least 45 different health issues. Some of the most common problems include obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, and depression. #### What Are Added Sugars? Added sugars are sweeteners that are added to foods and drinks during processing. These include table sugar, artificial sweeteners like Splenda, sugars found in honey and syrups, and sugars in concentrated fruit and vegetable juices. They are different from the natural sugars found in whole fruits and vegetables. #### How Much Sugar is Too Much? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that added sugars should make up less than 10% of your total daily calories. For example, if you consume 2,000 calories a day, no more than 200 of those calories should come from added sugars. This is about 50 grams or roughly 12 teaspoons of sugar. However, some experts suggest that even this amount may be too high. They recommend limiting added sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day, which is about 6 teaspoons. It's also advised to limit sugary drinks like soda to one serving per week. #### Tips to Reduce Added Sugar 1. **Choose Whole Foods:** Opt for whole fruits and vegetables, which contain natural sugars. 2. **Read Labels:** Check food labels for added sugars, even in items like bread and breakfast cereals. 3. **Avoid Sugary Drinks:** Limit your intake of sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages. 4. **Be Aware of Hidden Sugars:** Ingredients ending in -ose or labeled as syrups often indicate added sugars. By being mindful of your sugar intake and making healthier choices, you can reduce the risk of developing these health issues.