American Heart Association Releases New Statement to Reduce Sugar-Related Health Risks
Gilbert, Ariz. (PRWEB) November 21, 2016 -- Today, it is more difficult than ever to avoid sugar-laden foods and beverages. With convenience foods and pre-packaged items containing hidden yet high quantities of sugar targeted to children and adolescents, it has become an immense challenge to maintain a diet of nutrient-rich foods without the added sugars. “Added Sugars and Cardiovascular Disease in Children: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association” shows consuming a high quantity of added sugars makes U.S. children more susceptible to dangerous health complications.
Replacing or eliminating these added and hidden sugars with award-winning SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener, is a better-for-you way to flavor foods and beverages.
According to the August 2016 AHA statement, added sugars increase the risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and dental cavities in children. To combat these issues, the AHA recommends limiting children (ages 2-19) to 24 grams/6 teaspoons of added sugar per day and eliminating added sugars from the diets of children under the age of two completely. Separately, it is recommended that women limit added sugar to 24 grams/6 teaspoons of sugar per day; men to 36 grams/9 teaspoons or less per day. These recommendations aim to reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases due to over consumption of added and hidden sugars.
Soda and sugar-sweetened beverages account for the largest portion of added sugars in their diets. Between 2009 and 2012, sodas alone made up 26.9 percent of added sugars for children ages 12 to 19. A typical 12-oz. can of cola contains 39 grams of sugar; well above the average amount of added sugars recommended by AHA for an entire day. Other common sources of added sugars include cereals, sports drinks, juices, cakes, cookies, and packaged snack items.
“The newly released research shows added/hidden sugars are dangerous when regularly consumed,” said Carol May, President of Wisdom Natural Brands®, the parent company of SweetLeaf, the recognized pioneers in stevia. “Our SweetLeaf products allow kids and adults alike to enjoy delicious beverages and foods without added or hidden sugars, no artificial ingredients, and a non-glycemic response.”
SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener is a plant-based sugar alternative which can help children and their parents follow the AHA’s recommendations for added and hidden sugar intake. With zero calories, zero carbs, and no artificial ingredients, SweetLeaf adds award-winning taste without the negative health effects of added and hidden dietary sugars. From SweetLeaf’s natural and organic packets, to fruit-flavored Water Drops™ for a yummy upgrade to still or sparkling water, to delicious flavors of Sweet Drops™ in everyday beverages and foods, SweetLeaf provides limitless options to reduce or eliminate dangerous amounts of added/hidden dietary sugars.
SweetLeaf will be exhibiting at the upcoming American Heart Association Scientific Sessions focused on physicians and healthcare professionals in New Orleans, November 13-15. Visit booth #1721 for in-person interviews and samples.
About Wisdom Natural Brands®
Gilbert, Arizona-based Wisdom Natural Brands® is the parent company of two highly respected and award-winning consumer brands: SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener and Wisdom of the Ancients® herbal teas. For 35 years now, Wisdom has been the leading stevia expert and industry pioneer. SweetLeaf is the stevia sweetener with zero calories, zero carbohydrates, a non-glycemic response, no sugars, and no artificial ingredients. The only stevia brand to be named a Top Wellness Company and to win 27 global awards for taste and innovation, SweetLeaf is sold in boxes containing 35 or 70 packets, shaker jars for easy home use, and SweetLeaf SteviaTabs®, dissolvable tablets, for on-the-go use. Offering consumers additional high-quality choices, SweetLeaf Organics are sold in 35- and 70-count packet boxes and a shaker jar. SweetLeaf SugarLeaf® bonds SweetLeaf Stevia® and cane sugar for a low-calorie sugar alternative that is perfect for baking and cooking with 2/3 fewer calories than sugar. SweetLeaf 2-oz Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops™ add flavor, without calories, carbohydrates, or artificial ingredients, to foods and beverages. SweetLeaf Water Drops™ add delicious flavor to still or sparkling water.
Additionally, Wisdom of the Ancients® herbal teas, from energizing Yerba Maté Royale® to calming Sympacho®, are available in tea bags and loose tea and come in a variety of beneficial flavors. SweetLeaf and Wisdom of the Ancients products can be purchased online at ShopSweetLeaf.com or in grocery and health food stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Taylor Bentall, MCFADDEN/GAVENDER, http://www.mcfaddengavender.com/, +1 (520) 882-6262, [email protected]
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