The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults limit their added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that an even lower daily limit of 5% of total daily calories (equivalent to approximately 25 grams or 6 teaspoons for an adult) is ideal for maintaining good health.
Added sugars are any sugars that are added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation, as opposed to sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruit or milk. Examples of foods and beverages that can contain added sugars include soda, candy, pastries, and processed foods like sauces and dressings.
It’s important to note that consuming too much added sugar can contribute to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It’s also important to read food labels and be aware of the amount of added sugars in the foods and beverages you consume. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods and beverages like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water can help to naturally limit your added sugar intake.