In America, about one quarter of our calories come from added sugar. In the early 1800s, sugar was considered a luxury and a treat, that was enjoyed on special occasions.

Our increasing intake of added sugar mirrors our rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

In 2009, the American Heart Association (AHA) noted the relationship between added sugar consumption and cardiovascular disease.  “AHA recommends that women limit sugar intake to to 6 teaspoons a day and men limit sugar to 9 teaspoons a day.”

In 2013, The American Diabetes Association Standards of Care states, “people with diabetes should limit or avoid intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (from any caloric sweetener including high fructose corn syrup and sucrose) to reduce risk for weight gain and worsening of cardiovascular risk profile.”

In 2015 the World Health Organization and the FDA recommends that no more than 5-10% of calories should be obtained from added sugars (This equals about 6-12 teaspoons daily).

Fast Fact: There is no white sugar found in fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat, legumes and all whole unpackaged or unprocessed foods.  Sucrose is derived from cane and beets and added to foods.

Humans do not need sucrose to live.