But calories aren’t the only concern. According to SugarScience.org, sugary liquids can raise the risk of developing numerous diseases. Take this for instance: partaking in just one 12-ounce can of soda daily can increase your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by nearly one-third.

And it doesn’t stop there. Downing just one or two sugary drinks per day increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 26 percent.

Yikes!

Unfortunately, sugary liquids are just the tip of the iceberg. Your favorite processed foods may be causing just as big of a problem.

According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, “Food processing is any deliberate change in food that occurs before it’s available for us to eat.” Some processed foods can be healthy -- like frozen vegetables. However, many of these foods can be silent health hackers when it comes to sugar intake.

You see, most people don’t know that they are consuming added sugar when it comes to processed foods -- these sugars are often hidden or sneakily labeled. In fact, there are more than 60 different names used for sugar on labels. This makes it nearly impossible for the average consumer to know just what is and isn’t sugar.

Studies also show that ultra-processed foods can lead to metabolic syndrome (Met S), commonly known as insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by factors that include abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a fasting blood glucose level of more than 100 mg/dl.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly 34 percent of adults live with this condition. The consequences can be life-threatening. Not only does Met S double your risk of developing heart disease, but it also quintuples your risk of developing diabetes.