According to a recent study in England by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) , sugar intake should be reduced to 5% of our daily energy intake. Translated into real sugar terms, for women that means about 25 gr of free sugars, the equivalent of 5-6 teaspoons of sugar, 35 gr for men. Others health specialists are arguing that further reductions are needed to figure closer to 2.5 - 3% of daily sugar intake.
The goal of 5% is a huge challenge when teenagers are currently getting 15% of their calories from added sugar.One option that doctors have called for is a tax on sugary drinks. The measure is being tried in Mexico, although there is still little evidence on its impact.
The goal of 5% is a huge challenge when teenagers are currently getting 15% of their calories from added sugar.One option that doctors have called for is a tax on sugary drinks. The measure is being tried in Mexico, although there is still little evidence on its impact.
Did you know that a number of everyday foods are high in sugar? Many processed foods have reduced their fat content to appeal to customers seeking to reduce their fat intake. To make these products more palatable, additional sugar has been added to add flavour. Here are some of those foods:
Yoghurt - especially sweetened fruit based yoghurts. Eat plain or Greek and add your own fresh fruit.
Pasta sauces- Check the sugar content of store bought sauces. You will be surprised at the sugar content. Alternatives, buy crushed tomatoes in a tin and add tomato paste and other fresh ingredients such as fresh herbs.
Coleslaw- Store bought variety with added mayonnaise, the sugar content in the mayo is usually very high. Try making your own mayonnaise, by hand or with a blender, tastes better too!
Flavoured or enhanced waters - Stick to plain water to avoid hidden sugars here too. These waters are often expensive and have little or no health properties.
Yoghurt - especially sweetened fruit based yoghurts. Eat plain or Greek and add your own fresh fruit.
Pasta sauces- Check the sugar content of store bought sauces. You will be surprised at the sugar content. Alternatives, buy crushed tomatoes in a tin and add tomato paste and other fresh ingredients such as fresh herbs.
Coleslaw- Store bought variety with added mayonnaise, the sugar content in the mayo is usually very high. Try making your own mayonnaise, by hand or with a blender, tastes better too!
Flavoured or enhanced waters - Stick to plain water to avoid hidden sugars here too. These waters are often expensive and have little or no health properties.
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