In a recent shocking study done by the USDA, it was reported that the average American consumes 134 pounds of refined sugar every year, or approximately 20 teaspoons of sugar per day.

As hard as this may be to believe, consider the following facts:

• A 12 oz. can of Pepsi™ contains 10 teaspoons of sugar
• A 2 oz. package of candy contains 11 teaspoons of sugar
• A 16 oz. cup of lemonade contains 13 teaspoons of sugar
• A cup of Frosted Flakes™ contains 4 teaspoons of sugar

This high level of sugar intake contributes to:

• headaches,
• decreased capacity to handle stress well,
• obesity,
• Type II diabetes,
• heart disease due to elevated triglycerides,
• kidney stones,
• dental caries,
• chronic tiredness and reactive hypoglycemia,
• loss of important nutrients like chromium because of the need to make more insulin, B Vitamins, and Calcium,
• decreased immune resistance to infections,
• poor concentration and poor learning habits; decreased memory,
• poor sleep,
• depression, anxiety, and nervousness.

Decreasing your sugar intake is as simple as avoiding foods which are high in refined sugars, such as soft drinks, candy, cake and donuts, as well as most condiments.

When you purchase sweetened food, look for products that are sweetened with apple juice or stevia, rather than refined sugar high-fructose corn syrup. For cooking, use 1/2 amounts of honey, maple syrup, or succant when a recipe calls for sugar.