Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink at the heart of a $2.4 billion global market. And it's easy to see why. This sweet, creamy concoction comes in a rainbow of flavors with tapioca pearls you can slurp with a big straw. It's a delectable treat, and fun to drink, too.

But as more consumers are reaching for their bubble tea, also known as boba or pearl milk tea, health professionals are sounding the alarm about health risks. While there have been extreme cases making headlines — one girl hospitalized because of undigested tapioca pearls, and another in a coma after drinking two bubble teas a day — these rare occurrences can be attributed to other causes.

What's proven about bubble tea, however, is its high sugar content. Sip on a milk tea with pearls, and you could be consuming up to 57 grams of sugar, well over the American Heart Association's guideline of no more than 25 to 36 grams of sugar per day. Too much sugar can lead to diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

How does a beverage made from milk and tea deliver so much sweet stuff? Every shop makes their drink differently, but let's deconstruct a boba.

Tea. Bubble tea starts healthfully with brewed black or green tea, which is low in calories. Green tea typically contains antioxidants.

Milk products. The creaminess of bubble tea comes from milk. Whole milk contains fat, while condensed milk adds up to 22 grams of sugar per serving. Non-dairy creamers can contain hydrogenated palm oil, a trans fat linked with increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Fruit syrups. Some bubble teas are made with real fruit, but most get their fruity flavor from artificial, processed, high fructose syrups and concentrates.

Tapioca pearls. Derived from a root vegetable called yuca or cassava, tapioca is a starch boiled in brown sugar and water. The pearls are stored in sweet syrup to keep them from drying out, increasing sugar content.

Other toppings. Part of the fun is customizing your drink, but every topping boosts calorie count. Milk foam adds 200 calories, tapioca pearls add 150 calories, Oreo adds 116 calories, and jellies add up to 90 calories.

Consider limiting bubble tea intake to two cups per week or less, depending on the type you choose. A regular pearl milk tea has 8 teaspoons of sugar, but brown sugar milk tea with pearls contains a whopping 18.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Like any treat that tempts your taste buds, moderation is key. Satisfy your craving for bubble tea by:

• Ordering a smaller size or sharing with a friend
• Asking for less sugar or syrup
• Requesting low-fat milk
• Asking for a half-order of pearls
• Skipping the toppings or opting for lower calorie options