Date syrup is a more natural and nutrient dense sweetener than sugar or other sugar alternatives with a low glycemic index and medium glycemic load (meaning it has a lower impact on spiking blood sugar). Date syrup naturally contains fructose so like all sweeteners date syrup needs to be consumed in moderation. Excessive added sugar intake is associated with adverse health conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory diseases. Excessive sugar consumption may trigger neuroadaptations in the brain that decouple eating behavior from caloric needs and leads to compulsive overeating. The American Heart Association suggests an added-sugar limit of no more than 24 grams of sugar for most women and no more than 36 grams of sugar for most men each day.