Consumption of sugar-laden beverages has seen an increase in
the last three decades, and is decidedly one factor in ever-increasing
waistlines and the increasing obesity epidemic.
According to a new study, released today by the National
Center for Health Statistics, 50 percent of the American population downs soda
each day, with the majority drinking them at home. This trend contributes to
poor diet quality, weight gain, obesity, increased blood pressure, and Type 2
diabetes.
The American Heart Association, among others, recommends a
limited amount of sweetened beverages, no more than three 12-ounce cans of
soda, per week. However, men average three times that much per week, while
women consume 70 percent more than the recommended allotment.
Children, aged 12-19, consume the highest amount of empty
calorie-laden sodas, with black children drinking more than their Hispanic or
white counterparts. With adolescent children consuming more than any other age
group, you might think that the majority of sugar-based beverages come from
schools and restaurants, but such is not the case. The study found that most of
the sugar drinks consumed away from home are purchased from stores, not your
local high school cafeteria. In fact, only 1.4 percent of soda is purchased in
schools or daycare settings.
The report also disclosed that the higher the income, the
lower the sugar drink/soda consumption. Low-income persons consume more sugar
drinks in relation to their overall diet than those with higher income and black
and Mexican- American adults consume more than non-Hispanic white adults.
Sugar-laden drinks were defined as fruit drinks, sodas,
energy drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened bottled waters. The category does
not include diet drinks, 100% fruit juice, sweetened teas, and flavored milks.Source:Healthnews
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