These 3 'Health Foods' Have As Much Sugar As A Can Of Coca-Cola
The American Heart Association recommends that adult women eat a maximum of 25 grams of added sugar per day and that adult men eat a maximum of 36 grams of added sugar per day, but one 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola easily exceeds that amount at 39 grams. It may come as a surprise, but even some perceived health foods are loaded with added sugars. Though their serving sizes may skew the numbers, make no mistake; these three health foods are loaded with sugar.
Dried Cranberries
Dried fruit is a staple of children's lunch boxes and trail mixes, but the dehydration process concentrates the sugar in these otherwise healthy fruits. Cranberries are the worst offender. These berries are naturally tart and therefore require a lot of extra added sugar to make them palatable. A quarter cup of dried cranberries (not much more than a handful) contains 29 grams of sugar. Add them sparingly to your snack mixes.
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Yogurt With Fruit
Yogurt can be deceivingly unhealthy. To mask the natural tang of the yogurt, many brands add fruit along with tablespoons of sugar and flavorings, overshadowing any of the yogurt's natural health benefits. Fruit-flavored yogurts can contain up to 45 grams of sugar per 12-ounce container, and while not all of it is added sugar, you're much better off sticking with Greek and Icelandic yogurts, which have more protein and are less sweet. As a precaution, always take a glance at the nutrition label to avoid buying as especially sugary brands.
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Sweetened Iced Tea
Tea is celebrated throughout the world for its beneficial health properties and cultural significance, but when it's loaded with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, it's transformed into junk food. Many packaged iced teas market themselves as a healthier alternative to soda, and as a result, sell larger bottles. An 23-ounce can of Arizona Iced Tea Lemon Flavor contains a whopping 72 grams of sugar. These drinks are especially popular with kids because it only costs 99 cents; but with no screw-on top, these cans of iced tea are usually consumed in one sitting.