News: Added sugars linked to premature death from heart disease

If you think the only thing added sugar does is cause weight gain, think again.

A new study shows that sugar doesn’t just cause us to pack on the pounds, it also makes us sick.

The study, published in JAMA, found a significant link between sugar consumption and increased risk of death from heart disease.

The researchers found that the risk of heart disease death increased once added sugar intake surpassed 15 percent of daily calories (about half a litre of soda). From there, the risk rises exponentially. According to a commentary accompanying the study, there is a four times higher risk of premature heart disease death in those who consume one third or more or their daily calories in sugar.

"Sugar has adverse health effects above any purported role as ’empty calories’ promoting obesity," the commentary says. "Too much sugar does not just make us fat; it can also make us sick."

Does this study have you convinced to cut down on sugar? Besides cutting out the obvious sources of sugar like soda, candy and sweets – make sure you’re watching out for hidden sources, too.

The best way to do this?

Read labels! Sugars hide in processed foods like cereal,  salad dressing, crackers, peanut butter, yogurt, bread, condiments, white bread, white pasta and white rice.

If you’re having trouble and craving some sweet stuff, load up on fresh fruit or make a smoothie. If that’s not enough, add a piece of dark chocolate to the mix as well.

Need some inspiration and motivation? Follow along with our blogger, Erin, during her 66-Day challenge to cut out sugar and wine. You can also follow her on Twitter at @erinpp.

-Katharine Watts, associate web editor

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