According to health recommendations, a high intake of added sugar is linked to an increased risk of weight gain, unstable blood sugar levels, and heart problems.
This is especially true for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Nevertheless, sugar has become a regular part of many people’s diets, often without them noticing.
Taste and habits
High sugar consumption is largely a matter of habit. Many people automatically add sugar to coffee, tea, breakfast foods, and baked goods.
This does not necessarily happen out of desire, but because the taste has become familiar.
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The American Heart Association points out that taste buds can adapt to less sweetness over time.
When sugar intake is reduced gradually, many people find that their craving decreases without food losing its flavor.
Hidden sugar
Another challenge is sugar that is not immediately visible.
According to the American Heart Association, added sugar is often found in soft drinks, sweetened beverages, and processed foods.
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For this reason, it is recommended to read nutrition labels and choose products with a low content of added sugar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends limiting the intake of added sugar, as many people underestimate how much they actually consume through drinks and snacks.
Small choices
The American Heart Association highlights a number of simple measures that can make a difference.
These include choosing water or unsweetened iced tea instead of soft drinks, using spices and flavor extracts in cooking, or taking advantage of the natural sweetness of fruit.
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The goal is not to eliminate sugar entirely, but to make small everyday choices that collectively reduce overall intake.
Sources: American Heart Association, and World Health Organization.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.