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’ are sugars that are added when food is processed as a sweetener or as a preservative. This also includes table sugar and those that naturally occur with honey, juice, and syrups. Several studies link these types of sugars to several diseases, like 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. Because of these studies, the amount of added sugar intake has been lowered to just 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.