Why Does Sugar Feature in Most Drinks?

Sweetness

What is the main source of added sugar in US food?

High-fructose corn syrup is the main source of added sugar in the US food supply, largely coming from sugar-sweetened beverages. Cited on Harvard Health, these sugary drinks contribute roughly half of the total added sugar in the US food supply. Added sugar may be found in many processed and convenience foods, such as cereal, bread, soup, and condiments.

What is the difference between no added sugar and sugar free products?

No added sugar products do not contain any sugar or ingredients that contain sugar, while sugar free products may still contain a sugar substitute or low-calorie sweetener. According to the American Heart Association, no sugar or ingredient containing sugar was added during processing or packaging of no added sugar products. There are other labels such as “without added sugar” and “no sugar added” which also mean that no sugar was added during processing and packaging.

How does the brain respond to sweetness?

The brain flags sweetness as delicious, according to a new study published by The Atlantic in 2018. Sweetness is an essential and ephemeral experience that the brain processes differently than other flavors, making it uniquely enjoyable. Research has shown that sweet foods are associated with increased dopamine production in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reward.

Flavor

What are the leading sources of added sugars in the U.S. diet?

Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cdc.gov, 2020. These sweetened liquids include regular soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened waters. On average, American adults consume about 17 teaspoons of added sugars each day, with sugary drinks accounting for almost half of this total.

What is the recommended daily amount of unsweetened coffee or tea?

It is recommended that up to one-third of your daily beverage intake should come from unsweetened coffee or tea, with limited added sugar, cream, or whole milk. As mentioned in The Nutrition Source, part of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, if you flavor your coffee or tea with a lot of sugar, cream, or whole milk, then drinking less would help manage weight. Studies have shown that coffee consumption can have a positive impact on health.

What are the effects of drinking high-sugar beverages?

Consuming 12 ounces (355 mL) of popular high sugar beverages such as soda and sweetened iced tea can lead to a high calorie and sugar intake, with 151 calories and 39 grams of sugar in soda, and 144 calories in sweetened iced tea, according to Healthline (2020). Liquid sugar provides no nutritional value and can affect blood sugar levels.

Texture

What are the health risks of sugary drinks?

Sugary drinks are beverages that contain added sugar or other sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and fruit juice. Attributed to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source, sugary drinks can have a negative impact on health. Recent studies have shown that sugary drinks can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

What are natural sources of sugars?

Sugars provide an energy source for humans, and are naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables, honey, and milk. IFT.org (Institute of Food Technology) states that sugars are caloric, sweet-tasting compounds and offer 4 calories per gram, except for dietary fiber. Research suggests that humans have an innate preference for sweet tastes.

What is the importance of sugar in a healthy diet?

Sugar is an essential component of a healthy diet, as it provides energy and fuel for the body. As stated by Hopkins Medicine, natural sources of sugar and other carbohydrates, such as fruits and dairy, should not be removed from the diet, as they are important sources of energy. Sugar substitutes can be beneficial in moderation, as they can provide sweetness without the additional calories that come with sugar.

Color

What are added sugars?

Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing, found most commonly in sodas, desserts, and energy and sports drinks. An info from Mayo Clinic, all sugar (natural or processed) is a type of simple carbohydrate your body uses for energy, with fruits, vegetables and dairy foods naturally containing sugar. It is important to be mindful of added sugars in our diets as they can have negative health effects.

What are the health risks of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages?

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cdc.gov, in 2021. SSBs are one of the leading sources of added sugars in the American diet.

What are the benefits of sugar?

Sugar provides our bodies with energy and is particularly important for children, allowing them to fuel their growth. From Scientific American, sugar has its benefits despite its bad reputation and is essential for a healthy diet. Research has shown that the sweet taste of sugar comes from its ability to activate our reward system and release dopamine.

Nutritional Value

Is the new Nutrition Facts label required to list added sugars?

The FDA has mandated that manufacturers must include the amount of added sugars in the new Nutrition Facts Label by February 25, 2022. The label will also include the amount of total sugars, which includes natural sugars found in milk and fruits as well as any added sugars. Americans are advised to limit their intake of added sugars to less than 10% of their total daily caloric intake.

Are added sugars bad for our health?

Added sugars are simple carbohydrates that are added to foods during processing and are found in many sodas, desserts, and energy and sports drinks. An info from Mayo Clinic, these added sugars can compromise healthy eating habits, so it is important to be aware of them. In the U.S., these sources of added sugars are the top sources for most people.

What are the main sources of added sugars in the American diet?

Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. These sweetened liquids include regular soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened waters. On average, American adults consume about 77 grams of added sugars per day, mostly from sugary drinks.

Calorie Content

Can drinking two regular sodas a day add extra calories?

Consuming two regular soda drinks per day can add up to 300 calories from added sugar alone, according to Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is equivalent to about 24 teaspoons of added sugar per day. Research has shown that excessive sugar intake can be linked to a decrease in overall health.

Do US youth and adults consume significant amounts of calories from SSBs?

On average, US youth and adults consume a significant amount of calories from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2011-2014. 63% of youth and 49% of adults drank an SSB on a given day, consuming 143 and 145 calories respectively.

What are the health risks of drinking sugary beverages?

High sugar beverages such as soda and sweetened iced tea contain a significant amount of calories and sugar, with 12 ounces (355 mL) containing 151 calories and 39 grams of sugar, and 144 calories respectively. As stated by Healthline, 2020, these drinks can lead to weight gain and high blood sugar levels.

Taste

Do sugary drinks contribute to health issues?

Sugary drinks refer to any beverage with added sugar or other sweeteners, and are a contributor to many health issues including weight gain, diabetes and tooth decay. From Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source, sugary drinks should be limited as part of a healthy diet. Recent studies have shown that sugary beverages are the single largest source of added sugars in the American diet.

What are the health risks of consuming sugary foods?

Sugary foods and drinks may taste good, but they provide little in terms of health benefits and are high in calories. From NIH News in Health, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

What beverages are considered healthy choices?

Coffee, tea and other beverages without added sweeteners are considered healthy choices, while those with low-calorie sweeteners like diet drinks and fruit juices should be limited. Attributed to The Nutrition Source at Harvard T.H., alcohol should also be consumed in moderation. Studies have shown that drinking water can help reduce calorie intake and improve overall health.

Cost

Should sugary drinks be avoided?

Sugary drinks refer to any beverage with added sugar or other sweeteners, and are associated with higher risks of health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Nutrition Source, sugary drinks should be avoided as part of a healthy diet. Consuming 1-2 cans of soda per day can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%.

Can taxing sugary drinks have health benefits?

A research conducted by an institution has concluded that taxing sugary drinks such as soft drinks/sodas, juice drinks, sports drinks, pre-sweetened iced tea or coffee, and electrolyte replacement drinks with 5 or more grams of sugar can potentially have health benefits. According to ScienceDaily, the study by the institution shows that such a tax could lead to significant health gains. It is estimated that the cost of implementing such a policy could be offset by the health benefits it brings.

What is the UK government doing to reduce sugar intake?

The UK government has introduced a two-tier sugar tax on drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres, with a higher rate for those with more than 8g per 100 millilitres, according to BBC News (Mar 16, 2016). This is part of a larger effort to reduce sugar intake, which has been linked to a range of health issues including obesity and diabetes.

Preservatives

What are sugary drinks?

Sugary drinks refer to any beverage with added sugar or other sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and fruit juice. This is according to The Nutrition Source from Harvard T.H., 2020. These drinks are often categorized as sugar-sweetened beverages or “soft” drinks. Sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

Which preservatives are commonly used in food?

Preservatives are additives used to extend the shelf-life of food products and prevent spoilage, such as salt, sugar, sorbates, benzoates, sulphites, propionates and nitrites. As reported by Healthy Food Guide on healthyfood.com in 2017, natural preservatives include salt and sugar while other preservatives commonly used in small amounts are sorbates, benzoates, sulphites, propionates and nitrites. It is important to note that some preservatives can have adverse health effects if consumed in large quantities.

Is high-fructose corn syrup bad for you?

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn that is cheaper and sweeter than the form of sugar made from sugar cane, according to WebMD. It is widely used in processed foods and drinks and has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and liver damage. Research has shown that high-fructose corn syrup can cause an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Intoxication Level

Can alcoholic drinks increase sugar intake?

Alcoholic beverages contain some sugar and can contribute significantly to daily sugar intake, especially for adults aged 29 to 64. According to Dr Sarah Jarvis, a member of Drinkaware’s medical panel, fortified wines, sherries, and liqueurs are particularly high in sugar. In the UK, alcoholic drinks account for 10% of daily added sugar intake for 29 to 64 year olds and 6% for over 65s.

Can alcohol affect blood sugar levels in diabetics?

Yes, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels in those with diabetes, as normal fasting blood sugar levels should be in the range of 70–100 mg/dl, while those with untreated diabetes generally have blood sugar levels higher than 126 mg/dl. Cited from Medical News Today, on medicalnewstoday.com, in 2021, alcohol can raise blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be mindful of their intake.

What are the risks of consuming too much sugar?

Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and depression, according to a study from Healthline in 2020. Eating a healthy diet is key to preventing these conditions and their associated risks. Studies have found that people who consume high amounts of added sugar are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Source:

• Harvard : it, - Harvard Health.
• Cdc : Your Drink.
• Harvard : Sugary Drinks, The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H..
• Mayoclinic : sweeteners.
• Fda : Sugars, the New Nutrition Facts Label.