DALLAS — Americans are swallowing 22 teaspoons of sugar each day, and it’s time to cut way back, the American Heart Association said Monday.
Most women should be getting no more than 6 teaspoons a day of added sugar — the sweeteners and syrups that are added to foods during processing, preparation or at the table. For most men, the recommended limit is 9 teaspoons, the heart group said.
The guidelines do not apply to naturally occurring sugars such as those found in fruit, vegetables or dairy products.
Rachel Johnson, lead author of the statement, said about 8 ounces of fruit-flavored yogurt has about 6 teaspoons of added sugar; 8 ounces of low-fat chocolate milk has about 4 teaspoons; a cup of frosted whole grain cereal has about 3 teaspoons.
The biggest culprits, by far, are soft drinks, followed by candy, cake, cookies and pie.
With about 8 teaspoons of added sugar, a regular 12-ounce soft drink will put most women over the recommended daily limit.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
