What is the recommended daily sugar intake for adults?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults limit their intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake, with a further reduction to below 5% providing additional health benefits.

Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, the WHO's recommendation of less than 10% of total energy intake from sugar converts to roughly 50 grams (or about 12 teaspoons) of sugar per day.

Free sugars include monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods and drinks by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices.

The recommendation can vary based on individual caloric needs, which are influenced by factors such as activity level, age, and overall health.

Reducing sugar intake can help prevent weight gain, improve dental health, and decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Hidden sugars are sugars that are added to foods and beverages during processing but are not immediately obvious to consumers, often found in processed foods, ready-made sauces, and condiments.

Check nutritional labels for terms like sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, corn syrup, and honey, which indicate added sugars.

No, naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and milk are not considered when calculating free sugar intake.

Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and poor dental health.

Artificial sweeteners may help reduce sugar intake, but it's important to choose them carefully and consider potential health impacts.

Many energy drinks contain high levels of added sugars, which can quickly exceed daily recommendations if consumed frequently.

Although honey contains some beneficial nutrients, it is still high in free sugars and should be consumed in moderation.

It's not necessary to eliminate sugars entirely but rather focus on reducing free sugars and eating a balanced diet.

Yes, food tracking apps and nutritional databases can help you monitor and reduce your sugar intake.

Excessive sugar intake in children can lead to obesity, dental issues, and poor nutrition habits that persist into adulthood.

Both are important, but limiting sugar intake specifically can have additional benefits like improved dental health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Reducing sugar helps lower calorie intake, which can lead to weight loss if combined with healthy eating and regular exercise.

Low-sugar snacks include nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, yogurt with no added sugar, and vegetable sticks.

While fruit juices can provide vitamins, they can also be high in sugars, so it's better to consume whole fruits.

To reduce sugar intake, cut back on sugary drinks, choose unsweetened or low-sugar foods, and gradually decrease the amount of sugar added to coffee, tea, and recipes.