Added sugars: Don't get sabotaged by sweeteners

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Why is added sugar a problem? Recommendations regarding added sugar Recognizing added sugar Different names for added sugar How to reduce added sugar in your diet Content A few facts about sugar Why is sugar added to so many foods? Why are added sugars a problem? Recommendations regarding added sugars Recognizing added sugars Different names for added sugars How to reduce added sugars in your diet The final analysis

Foods with added sugars contribute extra calories to your diet but provide little nutritional value.

Eating too many foods with added sugars sets the stage for potential health problems, such as:

Poor nutrition. If you choose sugar-laden foods instead of more nutritious foods, you miss out on important nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Weight gain. There's no single cause for being overweight or obese. But added sugar might contribute to the problem. It's easy to get extra calories when eating foods that are sugar sweetened.
Increased triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the bloodstream and fat tissue. Eating an excessive amount of added sugar can increase triglyceride levels, which may increase your risk of heart disease.
Tooth decay. Sugar promotes tooth decay by allowing bacteria to multiply and grow. The more often you eat or drink foods with natural sugar or added sugar, the more likely you are to get cavities.