Final answer:
About half of the added sugars in the U.S. diet come from sugar-sweetened beverages. Other significant sources include grain-based and dairy desserts. Limiting added sugars is crucial for preventing various health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Approximately half of the added sugars in the U.S. diet come primarily from sugar-sweetened beverages. These include products such as soft drinks, fruit drinks, sweetened coffee and tea, and energy drinks. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a common sweetener in these beverages since the 1970s, contributing significantly to the total sugar consumption in the U.S. Additionally, other sources of added sugars include grain-based desserts like cookies, cakes, and doughnuts, as well as dairy desserts like ice cream and puddings.
Consuming high levels of added sugars, particularly from sugary drinks, can lead to various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, cavities, and Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the intake of these products while focusing on getting sugars from natural sources, such as whole fruits.