Sugar is one of the most consumed substances in the world. It’s found in almost every food group, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

We all know that sugar is not very good for our health, but how much can we consume in a week without negatively impacting our wellbeing? Let’s take a closer look at the recommended daily intake and how it translates to weekly consumption of sugar.

What Is Sugar?

Sugar, also known as glucose, is a simple carbohydrate. It’s naturally found in many foods, including fruits, vegetables, and milk.

Sugar is also added to many foods and drinks during the manufacturing process to enhance taste and improve shelf life.

Types of Sugar

There are two main types of sugar:.

Naturally Occurring Sugar: This is the sugar found in foods such as fruits and vegetables. It’s not added to the food and is therefore less harmful than added sugars.
Added Sugar: This is the sugar that manufacturers add to foods and drinks to improve their taste. It’s the most harmful type of sugar and can cause serious health problems over time.

How Much Sugar Is Okay?

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons per day for men.

This recommendation is based on a 2,000 calorie diet and does not include naturally occurring sugars found in foods like fruits and vegetables.

This translates to a maximum of 42 teaspoons of added sugar per week for women and 63 teaspoons of added sugar per week for men.

Why Is Sugar Bad for You?

Consuming too much sugar can have negative impacts on your health. Here are a few reasons why:.

Weight Gain: Sugar contains empty calories, meaning it has no nutritional value. Consuming excess sugar can lead to weight gain, which can cause health problems over time.
Heart Disease: Consuming a lot of sugar can lead to high triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes: Eating too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes over time.
Tooth Decay: Sugar is one of the primary causes of tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and other dental problems.

Where Is Sugar Found?

Sugar is found in many different foods and drinks, including:.

Sodas and other sugary drinks
Candy
Cakes and cookies
Ice cream
Breads and pasta sauces
Processed foods

How to Cut Down on Sugar

If you’re worried about consuming too much sugar, there are a few things you can do to cut down:.

Avoid sugary drinks like sodas and juices.
Choose fresh fruits over fruit juices.
Read food labels and avoid products with high levels of added sugars.
Cook your own meals from fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Choose whole grains over refined grains.

Conclusion

Sugar is a major contributor to many health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. While some sugar is okay, it’s important to limit your consumption of added sugars to no more than 6-9 teaspoons per day.

By being mindful of the foods you eat and making healthy choices, you can reduce your sugar intake and support your overall health and wellbeing.