Beverages and food with added sugar usually provide empty calories. Added sugar refers to sugar that is added to food or drinks during manufacturing, cooking or at the table. Excess sugar consumption is linked to weight gain, heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer and cavities. Excessive consumption of beverages and food high in added sugar can contribute considerably to energy intake. In addition, these items may displace other more nutritious food in the diet.
Added sugar should contribute to no more than 10% of dietary energy. This translates to approximately 40-55g (8-11 tsp) daily. This limit includes sugar added to beverages as well as food such as cakes, cookies and candies.
For more details : http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/2758
