Daily sugar consumption rises to five times the recommended limit

Daily per capita sugar consumption in Turkey has increased to five times the recommended limit, reaching levels of 100-150 grams. Experts have warned against the severe health risks of excessive sugar intake.

Consumption well above the recommended limit

The World Health Organization recommends that daily free sugar consumption should not exceed 5 percent of total energy requirements. This amount corresponds to approximately 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons of sugar.

In Turkey, however, daily per capita sugar consumption is stated to have risen to five times this limit, reaching levels between 100 and 150 grams.

Risks to health

Excessive sugar consumption not only leads to weight gain but also lays the groundwork for the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Excessive consumption of fructose found in packaged products is associated with fatty liver disease and triggers cardiovascular diseases and aging processes.

Hidden sources of sugar

Sugar consumption is not limited to sugar added to tea and coffee; it increases through hidden sources consumed unknowingly in daily life.

Packaged foods, carbonated and flavored beverages, ready-made sauces like ketchup, and traditional desserts harbor hidden sugars.

Recommendations for reducing consumption

To reduce sugar consumption, attention must be paid to components such as glucose syrup, fructose, and maltose on product labels.

Water and plain mineral water should be preferred instead of carbonated and sugary drinks, and the amount of sugar added to tea and coffee should be gradually decreased.