Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

American Heart Association Urges Curb on Sugar

The American Heart Association would like to see Americans cut excess pounds, and it has issued a scientific statement urging adults to cut back on sugar. This is a rather radical recommendation, since the science linking sugar to obesity is not airtight. Data suggest that American adults average about 355 calories a day from sugar, though. Sugar offers no other nutrients beyond calories, so the AHA suggests that women limit their sugar to no more than 100 calories daily and men limit their intake to 150 calories worth of sugar or less. That is the equivalent of nine teaspoons of sugar.
With 130 calories from sugar in a 12-ounce can of cola, dietary habits will have to change a lot to meet these guidelines. The American Heart Association says its recommendation is not meant to cover sugar found naturally in vegetables, fruits or dairy products, only the sugar that is added during processing. Soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies and pies provide the lion’s share of added sugar in the American diet.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.