According to Nutrition Action Healthletter, consumption of sugar and sugary sweeteners has declined almost 20% since 1990 and is approaching the level it was at in 1970. I guess that explains why sugar producers fought so long and hard to prevent nutrition labeling standards to requiring disclosure of added sugar. Almost all of the decline is due to a sharp reduction in consumption of high fructose corn syrup, which has fallen by over 40% in the same period.
But let's not strain a muscle patting ourselves on the back. Other sugar-based sweeteners have declined only slightly or even increased in some case. Cane and beet sugar, honey, agave, turbinado and others are added sugars as well and are no better for you.
Added sugar has been one of the leading contributors to America’s obesity epidemic. And until recently, it’s also been one of the most underreported and underestimated health risks. Among its other sweet benefits are a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Now that added sugar is listed on nutrition labels, you can make better choices at the grocery store. But you have to actually do it.
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