Consumption of sugar is almost unavoidable.  Sugars and sweeteners are added to many of the products that Americans purchase on a daily basis; this does not include sugar found naturally in products like fruit.  The average American consumes up to 20 teaspoons of sugar per day, well exceeding the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommended amount of 6 (women) to 9 (men) teaspoons.  While we know that sugar in excess isn’t good for you, what are some of the major risks that come from consuming too much sugar?

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Diets high in sugar have been linked to many diseases.  In fact, heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., is commonly connected to diets high in added sugars.  Consuming too much added sugar could lead to high blood pressure and obesity, two major risk factors of developing heart disease.  Reducing your intake of added sugars to the recommended amount, or less is an effective way of lowering your risk of developing heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Unhealthy Weight Gain

As the rate of obesity increases, it’s important to look at the major contributing factors.  Products with added sugars and sweeteners, such as sweets, sodas, and many juices, are often regular items in the average American’s diet.  However, items such as these, with high levels of fructose and simple sugars, are the main contributors to unhealthy weight gain. Research shows that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages promotes excess weight gain in both children and adults.  Additionally, excessive consumption of added sugars could potentially lead to a resistance to leptin, the hormone that helps regulate hunger and limits overeating.

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