NEWSMAKERS

YOU might feel smug about cutting out sugar from your tea or extra salt on your chips, but don't pat yourself on the back too soon - high levels of both are hiding in what you eat.

Researchers have found Britons are gobbling down an average of 33 teaspoons (132g) of sugar a day - more than three times the amount recommended by experts.

The study, conducted on behalf of health food company GoLower, found that it's not just that mid-afternoon can of Coke or bar of chocolate that hikes up our sugar intake - supposedly 'healthy' substitutes like smoothies and cereal bars are also loaded with the sweet stuff.

And the survey of 3,500 people discovered that two-thirds have no idea how much sugar is contained in items such as baked beans and bread. So while you might not be surprised that a can of fizzy drink contains nine teaspoons (35g) of sugar, you might not expect a cheese and pickle sandwich to weigh in with nearly five teaspoons (18.7g).

WHAT'S THE DAMAGE?

Aside from the looming spectre of obesity, the main health problem linked to sugar is tooth decay.

Bacteria in the mouth use sugar to produce tooth-damaging acid.

"The most adverse effect of sugar is on dental health," says dietician Amanda Johnson. "If you're going to eat sugary food, eat it at meal times and brush your teeth afterwards."

ARE SALTY SNACKS BETTER?

No! "Salt really is an issue, we consume far more than is really good for us. Our salt intake should be about two-thirds of what we're currently eating," Mrs Johnson says. High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

WHERE'S THE Sweet stuff?

Most forms of added sugar end with the letters 'ose', so keep an eye out for the following on ingredient lists:

l Glucose

l Dextrose

l Fructose

l Lactose

l Corn Syrup

l Maltose

l Glucose Syrup