We already knew fructose-based sweeteners contributed mightily to the cluster of conditions known as metabolic syndrome. The alarming theme of this newest study, that reviewed health data on more than 6,000 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), is not only how those added sugars hiding in processed foods escalate your risks of cardiovascular disease, but how much of them you're eating every day.

The average American's daily consumption of added sugars via processed foods was 3.2 ounces, which doesn't seem like much until you realize that amounts to more than 350 calories and 21 teaspoons of sugar. That's almost 16 percent of your day-to-day caloric intake, representing a jump of about a third based on estimates made some three decades ago.

That's not all: The largest average daily consumption of added sugars among five patient groups was 46 teaspoons. Unfortunately, you won't have to imagine what 46 teaspoons of sugar looks like after watching this illuminating and alarming video from the JAMA Archives.

Just a reminder, sugar isn't the only food additive folks are over-consuming to the detriment of their health.

Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 330, No. 15, pp. 1490-1497, April 21, 2010

USA Today April 21, 2010

ScienceDaily April 22, 2010