Health Note...

Health Beat
November 2011
Louise Poole
Health Promoting Schools
Coordinator for sd#8
Regularly consuming drinks that are high in sugar and low in nutrients can be associated with weight gain, obesity and increased risk for tooth decay. Research indicates that children and youth who regularly consume large amounts of sugary beverages tend not to consume enough healthy beverages such as milk and may miss out on key nutrients required for healthy growth and development.
Eating fruits instead of drinking juice provides the same nutrients, plus fibre, which keeps us full longer and is good for our bodies. When choosing fruit juices, make sure the label says "
It is recommended to have only 125 mL of juice a day. 100% fruit juice"; juices that say "fruit drink" on the label often have added sugar and are equivalent to drinking pop. Maximum recommended amount of added sugar per student per day: 13 sugar cubes = 13 teaspoons One important step towards better health and a healthy body weight is to follow Canada’s Food Guide, limiting foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar or salt. Pop and many other drinks are high in calories and sugar.
Thirsty? Drink Water! http://www.interiorhealth.ca/choose-health.aspx?id=13000 for more information.

Beverage                                         Sugar Content
Double Gulp 1.8L                             54 teaspoons
Coke 591 ml                                      18 teaspoons
Powerade Sports Drink 710 mL       16 teaspoons
Fruitopia 473 ml                            14.5 teaspoons
Apple Juice Bottle 473 ml                13 teaspoons
Milk 2% 500 ml                                    6 teaspoons
Diet Coke 591 ml                      0 teaspoons - Aspartame
Water 500 ml                                       0 teaspoons