[September 01, 2015]

Research Confirms Cutting Back on Added Sugars Can Be a Successful Tool in Losing Excess Weight

Whether you're having a backyard BBQ, pool party or beach picnic, it's important to be mindful of how much added sugar is in the beverages and foods you and your guests are enjoying. On average, Americans consume a whopping 22 teaspoons of added sugars per day-nearly three times the lower daily limit recently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO suggests reducing the intake of added sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, and that reducing to below 5% or roughly six teaspoons or less per day would provide additional health benefits.¹ In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently considering new regulations to include the amount of added sugars on our food labels. Excess sugar consumption has been linked to obesity in the U.S. and globally.

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"Many consumers underestimate the amount of added sugars in the foods and beverages they eat every day," says Maureen Conway, MBA, MA, RD, LDN, FAND, Director of Nutritional Affairs, McNeil Nutritionals, LLC. "Limiting added sugars in your daily diet can be a helpful tool in controlling calorie intake, which is important to consider for weight management. Many studies show that excess weight gain can lead to obesity and increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions, like cardiovascular disease. Low calorie sweeteners, like SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener, are a great option to help reduce the amount of added sugars in our diet while still satisfying sweet taste."

An analysis of national survey data by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that the average American consumes more than double the upper daily limit of added sugar (full analysis here).²

The American Heart Asociation (AHA) recognizes the importance of heart-healthy meal-planning, including ways to help reduce added sugars intake. Since 2009, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended an added sugar intake of not more than six teaspoons (100 calories) per day for women and not more than nine teaspoons (150 calories) per day for men.³

The SPLENDA^® Brand is a proud supporter of Simple Cooking with Heart^TM , from the American Heart Association, which provides tasteful, easy tips for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other valuable nutrients that are lower in sodium, cholesterol, saturated and trans fats. Simple Cooking with Heart™ provides families with information, cooking know-how and recipes for affordable and nutritious meals that can be made at home. This can help Americans reduce their added sugar intake while not sacrificing taste. Check out this infographic for easy ideas on how to cut back on added sugars.

"Sweets are naturally liked and having a healthy diet doesn't mean we have to completely give up sweets," says Conway. "However, moderation is key. The Simple Cooking with Heart^TM program from the American Heart Association provides tasteful, easy tips for a diet lower in added sugars and higher in fiber and other wholesome nutrients for healthier meals."

Try these Simple Cooking with Heart™ recipes, from the American Heart Association™, which are lower-sugar tasty ideas for your next party platter.

• Raspberry Basil Iced Tea - Enjoy this refreshing drink that reduces calories by swapping full sugar for SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener
• Strawberry Jicama Cucumber Salad - A perfect way to use summer flavors and produce with delicious strawberries and cucumbers
• Caprese Kebab Balsamic Dressing Recipe - An appetizer that will "wow" your guests during your next backyard BBQ

For more information about sucralose or the SPLENDA^® Brand, visit www.splendaliving.com.

ABOUT SPLENDA® Sweetener Products

Sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in SPLENDA^® Sweetener Products, has been used safely by millions of people around the world for more than 20 years, supported by research data from more than 100 studies. Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) support the use of low calorie sweeteners such as sucralose as a useful tool in weight management and diabetes. For more information about sucralose or the SPLENDA^® Brand, visit www.splendaliving.com. You can also follow the SPLENDA^® Brand on Tumblr, Facebook, and Instagram.

Links to third-party websites are provided solely for convenience. McNeil Nutritionals, LLC is not responsible for the content of such websites, and users are solely responsible for compliance with any terms of use thereon.

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¹ World Health Organization. (2015). WHO calls on countries to reduce sugars intake among adults and children. Geneva, Switzerland.

² United States Department of Agriculture. (2014). Americans consume more than double the recommended maximum of added sugars. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/detail.aspx?chartId=49231&ref=collection#.VDfyGfnF8eo.

³ Johnson, Rachel K., et. al. 2009, August 24. Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health. A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

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