Kids Are Getting Too Much Sugar from Processed Foods and Sweetened Beverages
November 21, 2012

Processed Food and Sweet Beverages Mean Too Much Sugar for Kids

According to a new report from the CDC, kids are consuming way too much sugar from processed food and sweetened beverages that could raise their risk for obesity and chronic diseases.

The report from the CDC’s National Center for Health found that 16 percent of total calories consumed came from added sugars. For boys, 16.3 percent of their caloric intake came from sugar, compared to 15.5 percent in girls. Consuming added sugars has been tied to an increased risk for heart disease among adolescents and cholesterol problems, according to the CDC. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommends limiting intake of discretionary calories, including added sugars and solid fats, to an average of 5 to 15 percent daily.

Where are all these added sugars coming from? The report said 59 percent of added-sugar calories come from foods and 41 percent from beverages, but soft drinks are still the single biggest source of added sugar. What’s more, the report found most added sugar calories were consumed at home, not at schools that are often the target of nutritional legislation.

Syfo has healthy beverage alternatives to give your kids with no sugar, sodium, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Learn more about our healthy Original Seltzer and Naturally-Flavored Sparkling Waters.

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