You know sugar can be found in your favorite candy bars, fruit juices, cereals and baked goods, but the sweetener often sneaks its way into less-obvious foods and beverages deemed “healthy.” Think: yogurt, marinara sauce, peanut butter, granola, instant oatmeal and salad dressings.   

The result is way too much sugar in American diets. According to the American Heart Association, women should have no more than six teaspoons of added sugar per day, and men no more than nine (this applies to added sugar only—not the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy). In reality, that number is closer to 77 grams per day for adults, or 18 teaspoons.

Unfortunately, the effects of sugar aren’t as sweet as the taste: While a little bit of sugar here and there isn’t a problem, the continued overconsumption of sugar wreaks havoc on your body, leading to a host of negative, long-lasting effects.

Those who rely on sugar for an energy burst should consider other ways to chase that “buzz.” One option is Bang Energy drinks, a line of sports beverages that are sugar-free. “Sugar can certainly act as a stimulant, but it’s very short-term,” explains Joseph Nickell, the head of U.S. grocery for Bang Energy. “Once it leaves your blood levels, you have that crash effect,” including hunger, irritability, fatigue, headaches, shakiness and dizziness.

The weight gain associated with eating too much sugar makes you more vulnerable to developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cognitive decline and certain cancers.

Learn more about the benenfits of energy drinks

The Importance of Exercise

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

5 Health Benefits of Caffeine for Active Types

Look for Bang Energy in the sports drink aisle at your local Kroger store

*Tip: Find the aisle number above the purchase options when shopping online!

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