To help prevent the global epidemic of obesity-linked diseases, two health organizations urge people to reduce their sugar intake.

Two international health agencies have recommended that people reduce their sugar intake to 10 percent of their total daily calories to control diabetes, heart attacks and other obesity-linked diseases. Amy Olson, registered dietitian at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says this recommendation refers to sugar added at the table, as well as processed foods such as jellies, syrups, cookies, cakes and ice creams. Olson says the average intake of calories is about 2,000 per day, which makes the recommended sugar intake about 200 calories. She explains:

SOUND BITE: " . . . one 12-ounce can of soda pop has about 140 to 150 calories in it. So you have used up most of your sugar load in one can of soda pop. If you have moved up to bottle-size, that's it - one per day to get all your sugar recommended intake. Ah of note, if you are especially interested in losing weight, because I think a lot of this is addressing to preventing obesity, there has been a food guide pyramid promoted that limits sugar intake to 75 calories per day, which is only about 4 percent of the 2,000 calorie diet."

The recommendation about limiting sugar needs to be put in the context of a healthy diet - people also need remember to limit the amount of fat in their diets and eat nutritious foods. Olson explains:

SOUND BITE: "We're looking at having more whole grains and fruits and vegetables and moderate portions and some unsaturated fats, but limiting the saturated fats, and it gets fairly confusing out there as to what are the recommendations. Ah, if you eat more fruits and vegetables and keep your portions under control, and exercise more, that's the bulk of the recommendations."

This world health recommendation also includes one hour of daily exercise, which is double the amount of previous recommendations. For more information about healthy eating, talk to a dietitian or your primary care physician.