Here's How Much Sugar You Can Have Per Day, According to Experts

While not all sugars are harmful, there is such a thing as too much sugar.

You may think all sugar is bad for you, but that’s not entirely true.

The biochemistry term “sugar” is defined as a specifictype of carbohydrate.

(Sugar is a simple carb, and all carbohydrates turn to glucose in our bodies.)

We talked with nutritional experts to see how much sugar per day is recommended.

They discussed the difference between natural and processed sugars and how to balance your sugar intake.

They also shared some natural sweeteners and sugar substitutions.

Added Sugar

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansa joint effort by the U.S.

Most U.S. residents consume an average of about 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day.

But with added processed sugars, it’s different.

Added sugars are the ones that negatively impact your body.

Naturally occurring sugar can be found in fruits, vegetables, and many dairy products.

The term refers to sugar naturally found in the food instead of being added to it.

Fundamentally, your body must have some sugar.

“Sugars are important for cellular life and repair,” Dr. Junger says.

“Our bodies do need some sort of carbohydrates,” Lorusso explains.

“When you aren’t having those foods, you feel sluggish and tired.”

“All carbohydrates break down in our body like sugar,” adds Lorusso.

This includes starches (grains, legumes, and potatoes), vegetables, fruit, and dairy.

“Many of these foods contain natural sugar but are beneficial with all of the othernutrients they contain.”

Abalanced dietis important.

“Aim for 40 to 50 percent of total calories from carbohydrates,” Lorusso says.

Of course, this will depend greatly on your lifestyle.

Such choices will help reduce your sugar consumption.

In moderation, enjoying a sweet is not the worst choice.

(2015, March 4).WHO calls on countries to reduce sugars intake among adults and children.