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In the United States alone, it is estimated that Americans consume 22 teaspoons of added sugar in their daily diet. On top of what they are already consuming, that equals an additional 350 calories per day. Granulated sugar, a refined (simple) carbohydrate, is 4 calories per gram, and one teaspoon equals 4 grams.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans eating a healthy diet is the equivalent of 45 to 65 percent of their total daily calories as carbohydrates, which is 225 to 325 grams of carbs per day. That's 900 to 1,300 calories a day in carbohydrates. Then add an additional 350 in refined sugar; you've got close to the recommended 2000 calories a day at the upper end.
Complex carbohydrates are made up of fiber, starch, and sugar, while one carb serving is about 15 grams. That could be a small piece of fruit or a slice of bread. So the nutrient quality depends on how much fiber, starch, or sugar is in the food source.
Here's the problem with carbohydrate consumption.
The average American diet consumes a lot of processed foods that are high in sugar content versus whole foods. Here's another issue, whole grain bread is also listed as a dietary recommendation. However, in the U.S., the wheat fields and other crops are sprayed with Glysophate (think Roundup). If the earth and plants are consuming that spray, so are we. And this is another topic for discussion.
Here's my point in all this, sugar is over consumed in the U.S., and it's no wonder the U.S. is dealing with heart disease being the number one killer of men and women, with cancer the second leading cause of death.
And…
I could go on and on about sugar addiction and eliminating or reducing the amount of sugar you eat, but instead, I will save that for next week.
However, in the meantime, here is a PDF from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that can give you some more information; if you haven't ever received my Guide to Hidden Sugars, signup for my newsletter and receive your free guide.
Until next week.
In Health,
Vonie
