Have you ever wondered just how much sugar you are consuming every day? From the things you drink to the condiments you use, the amount of sugar in your diet may surprise you.
Over the past 40 years, food manufacturers have systematically removed fat and fiber from foods and replaced them with added sugar. We have gone from breakfasts of eggs and bacon to sugary cereal, muffins and bars for on the go. The average American gets about 270 calories of added sugars every day. That is 17 teaspoons of sugar[1]. To put that into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than 100 calories (6 teaspoons) for women and 150 calories (9 teaspoons) for men. [2]Given that, on average, we are consuming double the recommended amount of sugar, it should come as no surprise that we are facing devastating increases in obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other preventable chronic diseases in our country.
Excess sugar is also one of the primary factors that prevent you from experiencing optimal strength, energy, and body composition. Recent research shows that like heavy alcohol use, consuming too much fructose can have similar toxic effects in your body. Fructose, which is primarily processed in your liver, is found in sodas, sports drinks, and many packaged foods. When you over indulge in fructose, your liver may turn excess fructose into fat. Over time, this fat may build up in your liver and lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, which has historically been prevalent in alcoholics, is now found in 31% of adults and 13% of children. Complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include fluid build-up on the abdomen, swelling in the veins of your esophagus (which can rupture and bleed), confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, liver cancer and end-stage liver failure. [3]
So, why all this talk about sugar? Reducing your sugar intake can drastically improve your health and well-being. Less sugar contributes to younger looking skin, lasting energy, reduced belly fat, weight loss, and can reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. [4]Limiting your sugar intake is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body, and there is an easy way to start. Most people either don’t eat breakfast or eat a breakfast high in sugar (cereal, muffins, bagels, etc.) Starting the day with a nutrient dense protein shake can increase your energy, strength and focus. They are easy to make, and you can drink them on the go. Why not give it a try? Check out Nutragen’s Superfood Shake Bundle today.
[1]Health.gov. (2019). Cut Down on Added Sugars. [online] Available at: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/resourc… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[2]Ahajournals.org. (2019). Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. [online] Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circu… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[3]Mayo Clinic. (2018). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/no… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
[4]DiGiulio, S. (2017). 6 Really Good Things That Happen to Your Body When You Quit Sugar. [online] Health.com. Available at: https://www.health.com/nutrition/health-benefits-… [Accessed 4 Jan. 2019].
