ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (Online): Consuming too much sugar can lead to numerous chronic health problems according to a new study.<\/p>\n
A meta-review published by The BMJTrusted Source outlined how much is too much when it comes to added sugar. Experts suggest lowering your intake of added sugars to around six teaspoons per day and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks to less than one serving each week.<\/p>\n
What to take away from the study
\nFor the review, researchers analyzed 67 observational studies and six randomized controlled trials detailing 83 health outcomes in adults and children. They found a link between sugar consumption and 45 health outcomes, which included heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, certain cancers, and death.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that sugar-sweetened beverages like soda are linked to a higher risk for certain health conditions such as gout and coronary heart disease. They recommend no more than one sugar-sweetened beverage a week.<\/p>\n
They found evidence of significant harmful associations between eating high amounts of added sugar and metabolic\/endocrine disorders including diabetes, gout, and obesity.<\/p>\n
They also found that consuming sugar was linked to an increased risk of cardiac issues including blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, and even certain cancers such as breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n
They also saw a link between sugar consumption and increased risk of chronic conditions including asthma and depression.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcessive sugar intake puts you at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, tooth decay, and weight gain to name just a few,\u201d Jamie Nadeau, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told Healthline. \u201cIt\u2019s no secret that added sugar isn\u2019t great for our bodies. We have solid research that consistently shows negative outcomes with excessive sugar intake.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also, excessive sugar intake often means that high-sugar foods are replacing healthful foods, so you may be missing out on important nutrients, Nadeau added.<\/p>\n
A guideline for added sugar intake
\nAccording to the Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source, added sugar intake should be less than 10% of total calories. For a standard 2,000-calorie diet, that\u2019s approximately 200 calories.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe American Heart Association is a bit stricter and recommends no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day for men and no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day for women,\u201d said Nadeau. \u201cI recommend aiming for the lower end of the added sugar recommendations, but don\u2019t stress if it\u2019s not perfect every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because added sugar is so heavily linked to negative health outcomes, it\u2019s smart to be mindful of how much you\u2019re eating. But, remember that maintaining a good relationship with food is important too, Nadeau explained. It\u2019s normal to enjoy foods with added sugar in moderation.<\/p>\n
For some people who try to eliminate added sugar completely, an overly strict diet can mean they are more likely to stop the diet and could end up overeating or bingeing on sugary foods.<\/p>\n
Practice mindfulness and moderation over elimination, Nadeau added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn practical terms, I recommend my patients indulge in small amounts of sugar when it\u2019s worth it,\u201d said Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN, FAND, a registered dietitian and doctor in clinical nutrition. \u201cI encourage them to enjoy a small ice cream cone when they are out with their kids in an ice cream parlor or a small piece of cake at a birthday party.\u201d<\/p>\n
How to cut sugar from your diet
\nFor people who want something sweet without health consequences, there are many different options available.<\/p>\n
Nadeau recommends the following lower-sugar alternatives:
\n1. Try sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.
\n2. If you prefer sugar in your coffee, for example, be mindful of how much you\u2019re adding versus blindly eyeballing it.
\n3. Opt for lower-sugar or zero-sugar yogurts instead of higher-sugar yogurts.
\n4. Try fresh or frozen fruits to sweeten up a snack or dish.
\n5. Opt for dark chocolate which is often lower in sugar.
\n6. Above all, make sure to always take a peek at the label. Foods are sometimes lower or high in added sugar than you may think.<\/p>\n
\u201cUse foods as a base to make sweets,\u201d said Escobar. \u201cFor example, blend Greek yogurt and fruit with a small amount of sugar and make frozen popsicles. Or eat berries with a small piece of dark chocolate as a snack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also, if you want to indulge in the real thing, choose a small container. For example, buy individual cups of ice cream instead of a gallon, which can help you limit how much you eat at one time, Escobar explained.<\/p>\n
Takeaway on health effects of eating sugar
\nAccording to a new meta-review, there is an association between sugar consumption and 45 health outcomes, which included heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, certain cancers, and death.<\/p>\n
Health experts suggest lowering added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons per day.<\/p>\n
Low-sugar alternatives include sugar-free sweeteners like stevia, fresh or frozen fruit, and lower or zero-sugar yogurts. Also, being mindful of portion control is important.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (Online): Consuming too much sugar can lead to numerous chronic health problems according to a new study. A meta-review published by The BMJTrusted Source outlined how much is too much when it comes to added sugar. Experts suggest lowering your intake of […]<\/p>\n
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