How Much Sugar is Too Much?

In March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the decision to decrease the recommended daily sugar intake from ten percent of a person's daily intake to five percent. Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but where foods like honey are concerned, it is very much a big deal. So what does this mean for you and how much manuka honey you can have on a daily basis?

What is the Daily Allowance for Sugar Intake?

With the new guidelines, the average person can consume about six teaspoons of sugar per day (this is 25 grams). That allotment may go up or down depending upon your size and daily caloric intake. For those of you that like a few packets of sugar or teaspoons of honey in your tea or coffee, this will literally rock your world.

How Does This Affect Me?

Well, this would all depend on the different types of food and beverage you consume throughout the day. One tablespoon of Manuka honey will have about 15-18 grams of sugar, depending on the brand. Simple math tells you that is about half of the daily recommended intake of sugar. If you enjoy soda or like to load up your morning breakfast sandwich with ketchup, you may have to rethink your daily diet.

Soda is the real killer here, averaging about 40 grams of sugar in a single can. No need to do a double take; if you decide to have that soda pop with lunch, you will use more than your daily allotment of sugar. Ketchup is not quite as bad, but for every tablespoon of ketchup you put on your food, you are using one of your six teaspoons of sugar for the day.

Why did WHO Make These Changes?

The organization is hoping that people will change their diets and lead a healthier lifestyle. It is no secret that obesity rates are up, as well as those suffering from diabetes. Research has shown that people consuming "sugary" items tend to consume more calories on a daily basis. Ideally, less sugar means less over-indulging, resulting in less obesity and heart disease.

It's Decision Time

When filling out your daily food journal, you need to make a decision as to what types of sugars you want to keep in your diet. Do you want healthy, natural sugars in products like Manuka honey or do you want to waste them in a pile of ketchup or in gulping down a can of soda? You know what we would recommend, but now the decision is up to you!

For more information about Manuka Honey USA's products, click here.

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