On a scorching summer day, a can of soda or a bottle of tea might seem like the perfect refreshing treat. However, these beverages often contain alarming amounts of sugar, surpassing even pastries and cookies in sweetness. Consuming excessive sugar can lead to various health problems, so it’s crucial to be aware of the sugar content in your favorite drinks.
Soft drinks have faced scrutiny due to the presence of aspartame, an artificial sweetener that the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized as a ‘possible carcinogen’. Despite this, DailyMail.com has identified 25 sodas, teas, and energy drinks that contain excessive amounts of sugar. Surprisingly, even natural sweeteners have been linked to issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many of these drinks exceed the recommended daily sugar intake advised by the American Heart Association, which is 24 grams for women and 36 grams for men. When you factor in sugar from other foods consumed throughout the day, soda lovers far exceed safe limits.
One classic soda, Mountain Dew, takes the crown for being the worst offender. A 16.9-ounce bottle of this brightly colored drink contains a staggering 65 grams of sugar, more than what you would find in six donuts from Krispy Kreme or 18 Chips Ahoy! cookies. Krispy Kreme glazed donuts have approximately 10 grams of sugar each, while each Chips Ahoy! cookie contains around 3.5 grams. Additionally, Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast flavor, a favorite among fans, contains 59 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce serving. That’s comparable to the sugar content in an iconic Oreo McFlurry from McDonald’s, which has 60 grams.
If you opt for a large Baja Blast at Taco Bell, a 30-ounce serving will provide you with a whopping 111 grams of sugar, almost equivalent to a large Dairy Queen Blizzard that can reach up to 120 grams.
The detrimental health effects of excessive sugar consumption have been extensively researched. A review published in the journal BMJ in April identified 45 negative health outcomes associated with high consumption of added sugars, which includes the type of sugar found in these beverages. These outcomes range from diabetes, gout, and obesity to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, cancer, asthma, tooth decay, depression, and even early death.
It’s important to note that sugary drinks are not the sole culprits. Energy drinks, known for their high caffeine content, consistently contain at least 50 grams of sugar. The combination of caffeine and sugar raises concerns about these drinks triggering adverse health effects in children, such as cardiac arrests. Rockstar Energy’s original flavor tops the list of sugary energy drinks, containing 63 grams of sugar.
Tea, often promoted as a healthier alternative to soda, can also be packed with sugar. For instance, a 16-ounce bottle of Snapple’s peach flavor contains 40 grams of sugar, exceeding the daily sugar limit for both men and women. Even at the bottom of the list, a can of Brisk Lemon Tea amounts to 24 grams of sugar, nearly the same as an entire 1.75-ounce pack of M&M’s.
It’s crucial to be mindful of the sugar content in your favorite beverages, as excessive sugar intake can have serious consequences for your health. Consider opting for low-sugar alternatives and being aware of the recommended daily sugar limits. By making informed choices about what you drink, you can better protect your well-being.
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