UN: World eating too much sugar; cut to 5-10 percent of diet

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization says people around the world are eating too much sugar and should slash their intake to about 5 to 10 percent of their overall calories.

New guidelines published Wednesday are focusing on the added sugars in processed food and those in honey, syrups and fruit juices. The report did not address the sugars in fruits, vegetables or milk.

WHO said there is “solid evidence” that keeping added sugars to less than 10 percent of your diet significantly reduces the chances of being overweight, obese or having cavities.

Some experts said the 10 percent target was more realistic for Western countries and the 5 percent figure was aimed mostly at developing countries where dental hygiene isn’t sufficient to prevent cavities or more serious health problems.

Category: International