Limit your Sugar for Better Health

Question by Tim S. (New Berlin, WI)
Posted on December 21, 2006

What are the recommended servings/limits on sugar?

Amy's Answer

Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, CSO, is a registered dietitian and…Read Full Bio

Carbohydrates, including sugars, are your body’s main source of energy. Two forms of sugar can be found in some of the foods that we consume. There are naturally occurring sugars in dairy products and fruit and then there are added sugars that you may see in the ingredients list (white, brown, or corn syrup solids). Added sugars are frequently found in processed foods. Often times when there is a lot of added sugar in food, there may not be many healthy aspects to the food such as adequate vitamins, minerals or fiber.

There are no set recommendations or limitations for the amount of sugar that you eat. However, I would suggest that you begin checking the labels on foods. Try to differentiate between naturally occurring sugars like fructose (fruit sugar) and added sugars (corn syrup). I would recommend limiting foods that are high in simple added sugars like syrup, jam, candy, and regular soda. Also, limiting processed foods and obtaining the majority of your carbohydrate intake from high fiber/complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. One hundred percent fruit juice is another great source of carbohydrates, which can provide vitamins A and C, potassium, folate and many other important nutrients.