Recent news reports that Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on sugary drinks 16 oz or larger in restaurants, sports venues and other retailers was voted down by a New York City judge. The implied motive of the ban is to make an impact on reducing the obesity rates which are at an all time high. Although soda and sugar are not the only cause or link to obesity, it is important to be an informed consumer when purchasing or drinking sugary beverages. Here are a few facts about 12 oz. beverages, to give you a sweet perspective.
1 Teaspoon of Sugar is equivalent to 4.2 grams of sugar. There are approximately 15 calories in each teaspoon of sugar.
Coca-Cola® Classic- 10 tsp. Mountain Dew®- 11 tsp.
Fanta® Orange- 13 tsp. Welch's® 100% Grape Juice- 15 tsp.
Red Bull®- 10 tsp. Starbucks® Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino + whipped cream- 14 tsp.
Over time this sugar can add up! If a person drinks one can of regular soda per day for one year, he/she will have consumed over 35 pounds of sugar from that source alone. Although some of those calories may be burned off, the excess is converted to fat. That one regular soda per day could add up to 15 or more pounds of fat!
The best way to make good health choices is to get informed about what you are consuming. Read labels and understand that what you eat and drink can impact your health. Follow this link from the Harvard School of Public Health, to learn more about the sugar content in many popular beverages: How Sweet Is It?
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