In the American diet, the top sources are soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, cookies, cakes, candy, and most processed foods. However, problems occur when you consume too much added sugar - that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor or extend shelf life. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells.
Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health.
Too much added sugar can be one of the greatest threats to cardiovascular disease.
