Too Much of a Sweet Thing: What's Wrong with Sugar

Americans are overindulging in sugar, and it may be hurting more than our waistlines. According to an increasing number of nutritionists and scientists, our taste for high sugar foods is increasing the risk of illnesses, such as heart disease and osteoporosis-as well as obesity.

In July, 2002 a report from the American Heart Association highlighted Americans' sugar problem. The report, published in the journal Circulation on July 23^rd, 2002, suggests that high sugar diets may contribute to an elevated risk of heart disease, help bring on obesity, and lower HDL-our "good cholesterol." Such diets may also raise our level of triglycerides, a type of fat that increases the risk of atherosclerosis-the accumulation of plaque in the inner lining of the arteries that leads to heart disease.

"What we're worried about is that sugar adds a lot of calories to the United States diet, and takes away other essential nutrients," says Barbara Howard, PhD, author of the report, and chair of the nutrition committee of the American Heart Association.

"Sugar is empty calories, and empty calories are the biggest nutritional problem in this country," adds Walter Willett , MD, chair and professor of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. The huge doses of sugar in our diet are squeezing out wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables and skim milk, which supply nutrients that may help protect us against illnesses like heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis, Willett says.

Consumption of sugar and sugary snacks has skyrocketed in the U.S., rising 20% since 1986. The average American gets 20 teaspoons daily from added sugars-those not naturally present in foods. And some people with high sugar diets get a lot more. The USDA Food Pyramid advises no more than 12 teaspoons a day for a healthful 2,200 calorie diet.