Peter's Principles - Nutrition
Sugar Highs and Lows
Is sugar really that bad? Americans love their sugar. And it's making them sick. According to the U. S. Government, a daily diet of two thousand calories should include no more than about 10 teaspoons of added sugar. But most Americans eat double that amount daily.
One main culprit is soft drinks, which have a whopping 9 teaspoons per 12-ounce can.
But extra sweet stuff can also pop up where you'd least expect it. Would you ever guess that a packet of healthful sounding Quaker cinnamon and spice instant oatmeal would have more sugar than a serving of fruit loops? Or that half-cup of Mott's Applesauce could have more sugar than a Hershey's milk chocolate bar? Diets high in sugar can promote obesity, kidney stones, osteoporosis, heart disease and dental problems. Sugar isn't so sweet after all.