Sugar Shock: 4 Things You Didn't Know About Your Diet
By Stephanie Schomer
![Sugar cube Sugar cube](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201301/omag/201301-omag-sugar-sidebar-cube-284x426.jpg)
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The American Heart Association recommends limiting our added sugar intake to six teaspoons daily, but our actual intake is about 22.2 teaspoons.
![Cup of sugar Cup of sugar](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201301/omag/201301-omag-sugar-sidebar-cup-284x426.jpg)
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The average American consumes about 3.2 cups weekly...
![Candy bar Candy bar](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201301/omag/201301-omag-sugar-sidebar-candy-284x426.jpg)
Photo: Thinkstock
...which is equivalent to 27 candy bars.
![Can of soda Can of soda](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201301/omag/201301-omag-sugar-sidebar-soda-284x426.jpg)
Photo: Thinkstock
In 1822 Americans consumed the amount of added sugar in one 12-ounce can of soda every five days. Today we consume that amount every ten hours...which is equivalent to 12 cans of soda in five days.
Next: The unhealthy truth about sugar
Next: The unhealthy truth about sugar
From the January 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.