Added Sugars

Definition

Added sugars refer to any sugars or caloric sweeteners that are added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation. These include white sugar, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners that contribute calories but lack the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in naturally occurring sugars from fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consumption of added sugars is associated with an increased risk of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
2. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men.
3. Added sugars are found in a wide variety of processed foods and beverages, including sodas, baked goods, cereals, and condiments.
4. Reducing intake of added sugars can be an effective strategy to improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
5. The Nutrition Facts label on food packages is required to list the amount of added sugars, helping consumers make more informed choices.

Review Questions

• Explain how the consumption of added sugars can impact cardiovascular wellness.
  • The consumption of added sugars is strongly linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Added sugars contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are major risk factors for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions, in turn, can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Reducing intake of added sugars is a key nutritional strategy to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of heart disease.
• Describe the differences between added sugars and naturally occurring sugars, and how these differences impact their effects on the body.
  • Unlike naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, added sugars provide calories without the accompanying fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Naturally occurring sugars are part of a balanced diet and do not contribute to the same health concerns as added sugars. Conversely, the consumption of added sugars, which are often found in processed and refined foods, has been linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Recognizing the distinction between added and naturally occurring sugars is crucial for developing nutritional strategies to improve cardiovascular wellness.
• Evaluate the role of the Nutrition Facts label in helping consumers identify and limit their intake of added sugars to support cardiovascular health.
  • The Nutrition Facts label on food and beverage packages plays a crucial role in empowering consumers to make informed choices about their added sugar intake. By clearly listing the amount of added sugars in a product, the Nutrition Facts label allows individuals to monitor and limit their consumption of these potentially harmful sweeteners. This information is particularly valuable when developing nutritional strategies to improve cardiovascular wellness, as reducing added sugar intake has been shown to lower the risk of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The transparency provided by the Nutrition Facts label is a valuable tool in the effort to promote healthier eating habits and support overall cardiovascular health.

Related terms

Naturally Occurring Sugars: Sugars that are naturally present in foods, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These sugars are accompanied by beneficial nutrients and do not contribute to the same health concerns as added sugars.

Refined Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates that have been processed to remove fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leaving behind the calorie-dense components like sugar and starch. Refined carbohydrates, including added sugars, can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health issues.

Caloric Sweeteners: Any type of sugar or sugar-like substance that provides calories, including sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, and other syrups. These sweeteners are often added to processed foods and beverages to enhance flavor and texture.