How much sugar is a healthy amount to eat each day?

Less than 15% of your energy intake is the most agreed upon amount. I reckon it should be lower than that. Sugar is an anti-nutrient, Research at Monash University has discovered that a diet high in sugar damages certain cells in the brain that switch off hunger. Dr Zane Andrews a neuroendocrinologist says that people in the age group of 25 to 50 are most at risk. “A diet rich in carbohydrates and sugar, that has become more and more prevalent in modern society has placed so much strain on our bodies that it’s leading to premature cell deterioration,” Dr Andrew said.

Carbohydrates are vital in the diet so try not to get too caught up in the low-carb movement. The trick is to choose healthy carbohydrate choices and to eat them regularly over the day. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, biscuits and even beer, release sugar (glucose) rapidly, this will lead to high blood sugar levels, more chance of storing calories as fat and more chance of hunger pangs soon after eating. Refined carbohydrates also supply hidden fats and salt. Unrefined carbohydrates on the other hand, are digested much slower, blood sugar and insulin levels are kept on a steadier curve and weight loss is much easier. Good unrefined carbohydrates are vegetables, whole grains, oats, brown rice and fresh fruit. All carbohydrates are made up from sugars. There are a number of different types of sugars but in the body all carbohydrate metabolism converts sugar to glucose (our body's preferred energy source).