Numerous studies have suggested that consuming too much sugar causes adverse health effects. Because of this, experts recommend limiting the amount of added sugar intake to 10% or less of a person’s total calorie consumption per day. Although this may seem obvious, health experts still call for further investigation before making recommendations.

Added sugar, also referred to as ‘free sugar,’ is sugar that is added when food is processed, either as a sweetener or as a preservative. This category includes table sugar, as well as sugars that naturally occur in honey, juice, and syrups. Several studies have linked these types of sugars to various diseases, such as obesity, which is a high-risk factor for different kinds of cancer. Since added sugar is also present in highly processed foods, it has also been linked to inflammation and can cause high blood pressure or, worse, cardiovascular diseases. Due to these studies, the recommended amount of added sugar intake has been lowered to about 6 teaspoons a day.

To help people control their sugar intake, health experts suggest being mindful of their diet, avoiding sweetened beverages, ditching highly processed desserts, going for home-cooked meals instead of fast food, and being conscious of your sugar intake, especially about better alternatives.