We Should Only Be Eating 25 Grams Of Sugar Daily, WHO Warns

The World Health Organization is again warning us that we're consuming dangerous amounts of sugar. Last year, the global organization recommended cutting our daily sugar intake in half, and now the recommendation has become official. A new WHO guideline stipulates that for maximum health benefits, our sugar intake should not exceed more than five percent of our daily energy intake for the day, or about 25 grams of sugar (six teaspoons). 

"We have solid evidence that keeping intake of free sugars to less than 10 percent of total energy intake reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese, and tooth decay," says Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WHO's Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, said in a statement. "Making policy changes to support this will be key if countries are to live up to their commitments to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases."

When you're looking to cut down on your sugar intake, don't underestimate saccharine culprits other than cookies and candy: fruits, fruit juices, granola bars, and even milk can also contain high amounts of sugar. The Daily Meal has published a handy guide to keep you from overdosing on sugary drinks (12 ounces of Coca Cola will set you back 39 grams of sugar, or almost two days-worth in one drink).