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Why Guidelines on Sugar Intake Is Important in United States? A study by United States researchers reported that the obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of all annual medical expenses (or an estimated US$147 billion) in the United States. Released on July 27, 2009, the findings also indicated that every year, obese people actually spend 40 percent more (or US$1,429) than people of normal weight in healthcare expenses. Though no single food or food group has been cited as the primary cause of the nation’s obesity epidemic, numerous studies have shown that higher intake of sweetened drinks is closely linked to obesity. In fact, excessive intake of sugar has not only made the Americans overweight but also been a key culprit in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. In a policy statement published in the journal Circulation on August 24, 2009, American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that women should not eat more than 100 calories or 6 teaspoons (25g) of added sugar per day while most men should consume not more than 150 calories or 9 teaspoons (37.5g). Just imagine this. A 0.35-liter can of regular soda contains roughly 130 calories, which already exceeds a woman's recommended daily intake of sugar. The guideline is far below the 22 teaspoons (90g) or 355 calories of added sugar consumed by the average American, as indicated in the 2004 government survey. In 2006, AHA recommended people minimize intake of added sugars. But this is probably the very first specific recommendation by AHA about the amount of sugars that can be consumed in a heart-healthy diet.
Other authorities also issued guidelines on sugar intake. For example, the United States Department of Agriculture stipulated in their dietary guidelines that less intake of food or beverage with added sugars so as to maintain healthy weight. Nevertheless, they did not indicate on the specific calorie limits. AHA focuses added sugars, not naturally occurring sugars in food, in their new guidelines. Any sugar or sugar syrup in food processing or at the table are included in the guidelines. Focus is placed on the estimated US$115 billion market for soft drinks, which is believed to be the No. 1 source of added sugars in the American diet. United States has the highest per-capita soft drink consumption in the world. Every year, Americans consume 760; Mexicans 674; Brazilians 315; Russians 149 and the Chinese drink 39 soft drinks. While the United States labels on package foods do not distinguish between naturally occurring or added sugar, anything labeled syrup in the ingredients list is likely an added sugar, according to the researchers. The report also mentioned that for the past 30 years, the total calorie intake has increased by an average of 150 to 300 calories per day. About 50 percent of the increase actually comes from liquid calories in the sweetened beverages. Meanwhile, the daily consumption of sweetened drinks rose 70 percent between 1970 and 2000. In fact, many people have chosen sweetened foods and beverages in lieu of more nutritious alternatives. The researchers stressed that people do not need to entirely remove added sugar from their diet, as they are aware that sugar does add to the enjoyment and enhance the flavor of foods. However, instead of adding sugar in the soft drinks or candies, there is always a better choice. For example, sweetened whole grain cereal is probably a better alternative. On the other hand, sedentary lifestyle is always cited by the food industry as the cause of increases in obesity. As such, the researchers also advise people who like to consume more sweetened foods or drinks should become more physically active to get rid of the excessive sugar consumed.
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