To the Editor:

According to the American Heart Association, over the past 30 years Americans have steadily consumed more and more added sugars in their diets, which has contributed to the obesity epidemic.

Naturally occurring sugars and added sugars are the two consumed types of sugars in an American diet. Reducing the amount of added sugars we eat cuts calories, and can help improve heart health and control weight.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that obesity is a serious concern because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

Try these simple tips to help reduce your family’s sugar intake.

Look for labels before purchasing cereals, mixes, syrups, and other processed foods.

Buy fresh fruits or fruits canned in water or natural juice. Avoid fruit canned in syrup, especially heavy syrup.

Try removing sugar (white and brown), syrup, honey and molasses from the table — out of sight, out of mind!

Buy sugar-free or low-calorie beverages.

And lastly for those who enjoy baking, when baking cookies, brownies or cakes, cut the sugar called for in your recipe by one-third to one-half.

Using these tips can help individuals in the long run, giving you more energy and weight control.

Alexandra Gokey

SUNY Potsdam nutrition student