Sugar and your blood pressure

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Too much sugar in your diet affects your heart health but not all sugar is bad. Keep your life sweet and healthy by learning how to manage sugar in your diet.

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There are two types of sugars in foods: naturally occurring sugars such as those in fruits and milk and added sugars that are added to foods and beverages during processing or preparation. Although sugars are not harmful in small amounts to the body, extra sugar leads to higher caloric intake and weight gain.

To ensure you don’t consume too much sugar, watch for these foods often hight in added sugar:

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1. Sugary drinks: flavored milk, sports & energy drinks, soda & soft drinks, coffee & tea, juice & fruit drinks

2. Sweetened breakfasts: breakfast & energy bars, granola & muesli, hot & cold cereals, yogurts, smoothies

3. Syrups and sweets: syrups, honey & molasses, jelly, jam & spreads, drink mixes, candy

4. Frozen treats: ice cream & gelato, frozen yogurt, popsicles, sherbet & sorbet, frozen desserts

5. Sweet baked goods: sweet rolls & breads, cakes, cookies & pies, donuts & pastries, snack foods, desserts

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Useful tip

Have a sweet tooth? Substitute added sugar with these healthier alternatives (click the image to enlarge)

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Source: The American Heart Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.