Heart group: Cut back -- way back -- on extra sugar

DALLAS (AP) - When it comes to getting their lumps of sugar, Americans are overdoing it, says the American Heart Association.

By: Associated Press | WNCT
Published: August 25, 2009

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DALLAS (AP) - When it comes to getting their lumps of sugar, Americans are overdoing it, says the American Heart Association.
The group says Americans are swallowing 22 teaspoons of sugar each day, and it's time to cut way back.
Most of that added sugar comes from soft drinks and candy -- a whopping 355 calories and the equivalent of guzzling two cans of soda and eating a chocolate bar.
By comparison, says the heart association, most women should be getting no more than 6 teaspoons a day, or 100 calories, of added sugar. For most men, the recommended limit is 9 teaspoons, or 150 calories.
The guidelines do not apply to naturally occurring sugars like those found in fruit, vegetables or dairy products.

On the Net:
American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org/nutrition/sugar
U.S. Department of Agriculture's database listing added sugars in certain foods, http://tinyurl.com/nacqhr