TRENDING: Dietary Guidelines Cut Sugar, Give Red Meat a Pass

In a not-so-shocking turn of events, the new and improved Dietary Guidelines recommend cutting [...]

In a not-so-shocking turn of events, the new and improved Dietary Guidelines recommend cutting sugar from your diet — to no more than 10 percent of your daily caloric intake.

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It is estimated that Americans consume 22 teaspoons of sugar a day. The Obama Administration recommends cutting those 22 teaspoons nearly in half, to 12 teaspoons a day on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The guidelines, which are revised every five years, are based on evolving nutrition science and serve as the government's official advice on what to eat.

Growing evidence suggests increased sugar intake leads to increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, even for those who are not overweight or obese.

Those guidelines come shortly after research aired about sugar leading to growth in cancer cells.

And while the administration recommended less sugar intake, it did not give any specific mention of cutting back on red meats, something cancer experts are unhappy about.

"We are pretty disappointed the report doesn't recommend limiting red and processed meat because of the link to cancer," said Katie McMahon of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

In fact, research shows red and processed meats have been linked to cancer. NBC News says that the guidelines do, in fact, mention meat's link to cancer, but don't blame it specifically. "Strong evidence from mostly prospective cohort studies but also randomized controlled trials has shown that eating patterns that include lower intake of meats as well as processed meats and processed poultry are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adults," they say.

"Moderate evidence indicates that these eating patterns are associated with reduced risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer in adults."

Translation: Eating red and processed meats in moderation shouldn't increase your risk for cancer, obesity or Type 2 diabetes.

As always, focusing on a well-rounded diet full of vegetables, fruits, fiber and whole grains was also recommended, as well as less sodium.

>> Read more: Sugar-Free Challenge

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