It’s sugaring-off season: the perfect time to take a closer look at sugar. According to the World Health Organization, free sugarsshould make up less than 10% of our daily energy intake. Free sugars include the sugar in fruit juices as well as all sugars added to foods and beverages. For example, for an average daily intake of 2,000 calories, the intake of free sugars should be 50 g (12 tsp.).
Reduce consumption
To reduce your sugar intake, the first thing you should do is cut out sugary drinks. Reducing your intake or eliminating sugary drinks altogether will have a huge impact on the amount of sugar you consume daily. Aside from drinks, you should also limit your intake of ultra-processed foods such as cookies, sweetened breakfast cereals, cakes and candy.
That said, be careful not to demonize sugar! It’s too much sugar that’s harmful to your health. Also, note that the sugar found in fruits and vegetables is absorbed differently than free sugars. There’s no need to cut down on them.
Is maple syrup a better option?
Although maple syrup contains more nutrients than white sugar, it’s still sugar. The minerals and antioxidants found in a single serving are far too small. However, maple syrup does have other benefits. We love to support our maple producers and the taste is definitely a plus from a culinary perspective.
