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Food and Drug Administration.

What started off as nourishment for pigs eventually became the reason for a boom in the slave trade.

Sugar in spoon

And yet, our diets originally contained little to no refined sugars.

They’re basically the added sugars put in to enhance flavor.

As Dr. Tager explains,“The average American consumes 100 grams of added sugar a day.”

Selection of donuts

This translates to “about 40 grams or less.”

It even contributes to depression and anxiety, according toForbes.

Are there any healthier alternatives to sugar?

A variety of fruits

“We don’t eat enough fruits,” he informed The List simply.