Sugar is considered a tasty and flavourful delicacy which provides an instant source of energy.

However, it is important to be mindful of its consumption including how much sugar is actually necessary, according to Health.

Benefits of cutting out sugar and carbohydrates have been described by popular diets but not all kinds of sugars are the same. Many foods comprise natural sugars.

One example includes fruits containing fructose and another defines dairy products containing lactose. Added sugars are included to foods either during processing or as you prepare them. Adding honey to cereals is an example of this.

Americans receive an average of 13% of their calories from added sugar. This turned out to be higher than current recommendations. Adults have been advised to limit added sugars to no more than 10% of their total caloric intake, as per the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

For reference, if one eats 2,000 calories a day, the guidelines tell them to limit their added sugar intake to 12 teaspoons (50 grams) per day.

On the other hand, the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests adults limit added sugars to no more than 6% of total daily calories.