How Too Much Added Sugar Affects Your Health Infographic

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Nearly 8 out of 10 adults are trying to reduce sugar in their diets.

Where does added sugar come from?

• 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