How many grams of sugar should a person have each day in relation to calorie intake?

Answer 1

• Any human being can do very well without any added sugar. There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sugar. In fact, some experts believe we need no sugar at all. We don't need it at all. Just watch your calories and how much of them are carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

• Added sugar can be bad for health. If you must do it then not more than 12 teaspoons added sugar for a 2000 calorie per day diet.

• No more than 40 grams per day for a 2000 calorie diet. Remember that the daily limit of 40 grams refers to refined/processed sugars only.

• There is no definitive answer to the question, but 40 grams is the maximum amount for non-diabetics.

• There are two main types of sugar. There are the ones found naturally in foods and the ones added to foods and drinks to make them sweeter. You do not needed the added sugars for good heath. So remember to read food labels and choose no sugar or lower-sugar brands.

• Unlike proteins and fats, added sugar is not essential for health. You will do far better without any added sugar. There is natural sugar in foods such as vegetables and fruit and that is all the sugar you need.

• Added sugars include refined sugars such as table sugar and things such as maltose, hydrolysed starch, and corn syrup, added to processed foods or drinks. Remember too that honey and fruit juice count as added sugars. They are sometimes added to drinks and foods to make them sweeter. Watch out for all the added sugars; either avoid them or include them in your daily limit. Remember that sugar and all products containing sugar are refined (processed) carbohydrates. Refined/processed carbohydrates are a major cause of weight gain, obesity, and many diet related diseases. If you value your health, particularly your long-term health, eliminate, or limit, apart from the occasional treat, refined processed carbohydrates (and this includes sugar and all foods containing added sugar). If you are unsure what other foods are refined/processed carbohydrates, you can view a list further down this page, listed under Related Questions.