KIDS AND ADDED SUGARS:  HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Did you know that children and teens should consume less than six teaspoons of "added sugars" a day and drink no more than eight ounces of sugary beverages a week, according to the American Heart Association's first ever scientific statement recommending specific sugar limits for kids.

A panel of researchers took a deep look at how sugar impacts cardiovascular health between the ages of 2 and 18.  Their statement also said children younger than 2 shouldn't have any added sugars, but instead have nutrition-packed diets for growing healthy brains and bodies.

Studies linking added sugars and conditions that lead to cardiovascular disease --THE NO. 1 CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE WORLD - have been around for years.  Diets high in added sugars have been connected to heart risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.

The typical American child eats about TRIPLE the recommended amount of added sugars, half from food and half from drinks, said Dr. Miriam Vos, who is also author of the book, "The No-Diet Obesity Solution for Kids."

Added sugars have a host of names on food ingredient labels, such as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, fruit juice and more. Sugar isn't just in cakes and cookies but also in Chinese chicken salad, barbecue sauce, hamburger buns, and salad dressings.

This information was published in the News Herald by the American Heart Association News. If you would like a copy of this article, you can obtain it from the News Herald or email me at tomharriet@aol.com with your address and email address and I will send it to you. We need to help educate parents about what is happening with the food industry.  Just because your child loves Brand X Cereal loaded with marshmallows or M & Ms does not mean it is good for him or her.