Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksExposing Hidden Sugar

  Think you don't eat a lot of sugar? Consider this — every day the average
American consumes the equivalent of 22 teaspoons of "extra" sugar — sugar
that's been added to food and beverages. That's about a half of a cup a day!
If you're pretty sure you don't have a sweet tooth, Consumer Reports says
you may be in for a surprise.

  Pop … candy … and cookies. They're the usual sugary suspects. But
Consumer Reports says even if you don't buy a lot of these, you still could
be taking in too much sugar.

  Jamie Hirsh/Consumer Reports: "A high intake of sugar comes with some serious health risks. The American Heart Association says it increases the risk of high blood pressure and high
triglyceride levels."

  So how much sugar is too much?

  Jamie Hirsh: "You want to try to keep the added sugar to no more than six teaspoons a
day for women and nine teaspoons for men, but that can be easier said than
done."

  Consider how much sugar is in some supermarket staples. A half-cup
serving of Prego's Traditional Italian Sauce contains the equivalent of two- and-a-half teaspoons of sugar.

  A six-ounce container of Dannon's All-Natural Vanilla Lowfat Yogurt
contains over six teaspoons of sugar!

  So does a half-cup serving of Mott's Original Apple Sauce.

  Even a serving of Vlasic Sweet Midgets pickles has almost two teaspoons —
that's just three little pickles! So it's important to check the nutrition label for the amount of sugar.

  Jamie Hirsh: "A teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to about four grams, so that can help give
you a good estimate."

  Also look under the ingredients. You probably recognize sucrose … glucose
… and high fructose corn syrup as added sugar. But it's listed under many
names, like fruit juice concentrate … malt syrup … and evaporated cane
juice … to name a few.

  So be on the lookout for sugar. And when a sweet craving hits — go for
nutritious, healthier options like fruit or low-fat chocolate milk.

  Consumer Reports says eliminating sugary beverages, like pop, bottled teas,
and juice drinks, will cut your sugar intake significantly. Some sodas can
have as much as 16 teaspoons in a 20-ounce bottle! Instead, try seltzer with a splash of fruit
juice, unsweetened teas, or a smoothie made with fresh fruit and plain nonfat
yogurt.