Added sugars vs. natural sugars — Big difference
It’s very important to make the distinction between added sugars and sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruits and vegetables.

These foods contain water, fiber, and various micronutrients. Naturally occurring sugars are absolutely fine, but the same does not apply to added sugar.

Added sugar is the main ingredient in candy and abundant in many processed foods, such as soft drinks and baked products.

The most common added sugars are regular table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup.

To optimize your health, do your best to avoid foods that contain added sugars. Even the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10 percent of total calories per day.

Also, remember that added sugars can also include natural sugars. For instance, if you add honey to your oatmeal, your oatmeal contains added sugar from a natural source.

In 2008, people in the United States were consuming over 60 pounds (28 kg) of added sugar per year — and this does not include fruit juices.

The average intake was 76.7 grams per day, which equals 19 teaspoons or 306 calories.

According to this study, sugar consumption decreased by 23% between the years 2000 and 2008, mainly because people drank fewer sugar-sweetened beverages.

However, current intake levels are still way too high and likely haven’t changed much since then. In 2012, the average adult intake was 77 grams per day.

Excess sugar consumption has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, tooth decay, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and more.

Healthline content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. See a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Opinions expressed in this video may not reflect those of Healthline Media.

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