The topic of how many grams of sugar per day is a highly curious one. Many people are concerned about their sugar intake and want to know what the recommended daily amount is. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question of how many grams of sugar per day and provide some helpful information on this topic.
How Many Grams of Sugar Per Day?
The American Heart Association recommends that women limit their added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day, and men limit their intake to no more than 9 teaspoons (38 grams) per day.
It's important to note that these recommendations are for added sugars, not naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Naturally occurring sugars are generally not a concern because they come packaged with other nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To put these recommendations into perspective, a single can of soda can contain anywhere from 35 to 40 grams of sugar, which is already exceeding the recommended daily limit for both men and women. Other sources of added sugars include candy, desserts, sweetened beverages, and processed foods.
Ways to Reduce Sugar Intake
If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, here are a few tips:
- Read food labels: Pay attention to the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list to identify added sugars. Look for words like sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Choose whole foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. These are typically lower in added sugars compared to processed foods.
- Limit sugary beverages: Cut back on soda, sweetened tea, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages. Instead, choose water, unsweetened tea, or flavored water.
- Swap out sweet treats: Instead of reaching for a candy bar or a piece of cake, satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate.
- Cook at home: By preparing meals and snacks at home, you have more control over the ingredients and can reduce the amount of added sugars in your diet.
By being mindful of your sugar intake and making small changes to your diet, you can gradually reduce your sugar consumption and improve your overall health.