Health & Nutrition Information: Sugar

When used in moderation, sugar can be part of a healthy diet.  Because of naturally occurring properties, sugar is used to give food more appeal by enhancing its taste, aroma, color and texture. 

Sugar is a carbohydrate which can be found naturally in many different foods such as fruits, vegetables and milk. It is also added as an ingredient in many other foods.


 

DID YOU KNOW?

FACTS ABOUT SUGAR

·         Americans consume an average of 20 tsp. of sugar per day

·         Adding sugar to water will help to keep cut flowers fresh

·         A solution of sugar and water in a colorful feeder will attract hummingbirds

·         Swallowing a spoonful of sugar will cure hiccups

·         Sugar is used in the silvering of mirrors

REDUCING SUGAR INTAKE:

Overloaded on sugar? Try one some of the following tips:

·         Purchase unsweetened cereal

·         Drink 100% fruit juice or water instead of "fruit drinks", soda or punch

·         Choose fresh fruits, not fruits canned in heavy syrup

·         Watch out for foods containing "sucrose", "glucose" or "fructose"; These are all other

names for sugar!

SUGAR SUBSTITUTES

Whether you are decreasing your sugar intake for medical reasons or are simply trying to cut calories; sugar substitutes are a great solution!

Aspartame

"Equalâ" or "Nutrasweetâ"

160-220 times as sweet as sugar

Found in Diet Cokeâ, Sugar-Free

J-elloâ, Crystal Lightâ, Etc.

Sucralose

"Splendaâ"

600 times as sweet as sugar

Found in Diet Rightâ,

Dannonâ Yogurt, Etc

AMOUNT OF SUGAR (TEASPOONS) IN COMMON FOODS:

12 OZ SODA = 10 TSP              

4 OREO COOKIES = 7 TSP                

1 CUP ICE CREAM = 7 TSP

SNICKERS BAR = 7 TSP             

1 CUP FRUIT LOOPS = 4 TSP       

½ CUP CHOCOLATE PUDDING = 5 TSP