Now locate the sugar listing on the soda's nutrition label—40 grams. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Do the math. That innocent can of pop contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and 160 empty calories.
Even if you don’t drink regular soda, the typical American now eats the equivalent of about 31 teaspoons (124 grams) of added sugar every day. That sugar alone adds up almost 500 extra calories—about 25% of the average person's caloric intake. WOW!
Less is More
So how much should you limit your sugar intake? Several health organizations suggest that added sugar should be limited to no more than 10 percent of your total calories. This does not include naturally occurring sugars found in fruits (fructose) and dairy products (lactose). The chart below lists the maximum recommended daily sugar intake based on various calorie levels.
Maximum Sugar Intake
|
Daily Calorie Intake |
Grams |
Teaspoons |
|
1200 |
30 |
7.5 |
|
1500 |
37 |
9 |
|
1800 |
45 |
11 |
|
2100 |
52 |
13 |
|
2400 |
60 |
15 |
|
2700 |
67 |
17 |
