Sugary drinks can lead to high cholesterol. Too high cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. A new study finds that adults who drink at least one sugary drink, compared to those who don’t, have a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia, which is higher levels of unhealthy fats ( such as LDL cholesterol or triglycerides), which can increase the risk of heart disease. Dyslipidemia is when cholesterol levels are not within the normal range, which may be due to several factors. Of most concern is a high level of LDL, or bad cholesterol.
Heart risks and cholesterol levels rise with sugary drinks
Too high cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Study participants were recruited through the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a long-running study aimed at uncovering common factors that contribute to heart disease. Data from almost 6,000 people, middle-aged or older and of European descent, were analyzed over an average period of 12 years.
The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. This study shows how the consumption of different types of beverages can contribute to changes in blood lipids. Other observational studies have shown that higher consumption of sugary drinks is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study looked at fully-sweetened beverages and low-calorie alternatives. The researchers took into account other factors that may affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, such as obesity, overall diet quality, physical activity, alcohol consumption and use of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
They used questionnaires to determine which beverages the participants consumed and how often. They separated the drinks into two categories: sugary drinks (SSB), such as fully-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks, and low-calorie sugary drinks (LCSB), such as diet sodas with sugar substitutes (diet sodas). ).
All participants had a very similar calorie intake, making the choice of drink (all-sweetened or low-calorie) the most identifiable factor.
Overall, the results are not surprising, but what is important is that so far, the existing evidence for associations between sugar-sweetened beverages and dyslipidemia has come from small studies, and studies which only captured a snapshot of diet and blood lipid levels over time.
Sugary Drinks Raise Cholesterol Levels Over Time
The researchers found that middle-aged and older adults who drank sugary drinks daily had an increased risk of developing abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who rarely drank these drinks. With this study, the researchers showed that the consumption of sugary drinks is also associated with a greater risk of developing dyslipidemia and with unfavorable changes in the concentrations of lipoproteins linked to triglycerides and HDL cholesterol.
According to the study, drinkers of sugary drinks were 98% more likely to develop low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and 53% more likely to develop high triglycerides. Cholesterol is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack and stroke. Managing your cholesterol is extremely important, and having check-ups at least once a year is vital to keeping it level.
Excess sugar is harmful to health
The results also suggest that high sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with worsening HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels over time in daily sugar-sweetened drinkers, compared to those who rarely drank sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugar consumption and diabetes play a huge role in your cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome is a term that encompasses a host of issues, and abnormalities in cholesterol, body weight, and diabetes are all interrelated. This study clearly shows that the consumption of too much sugar has a negative impact on cholesterol levels and the onset of metabolic syndrome.
Cholesterol, HDL and LDL
There are two types of cholesterol: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol because it can help eliminate LDL cholesterol, which can build up in our arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. HDL is most closely related to exercise and fitness, so traditionally the best way to improve your HDL is to exercise regularly, so lifestyle is very important.
If your LDL levels are higher and your HDL levels lower, you are at risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is thickening and stiffening of the arteries that are clogged with too much plaque. Poor blood supply to the heart can lead to cardiovascular disease. HDL also changes the chemical makeup of LDL, preventing it from oxidizing, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent artery damage, according to Harvard Medical School.
Lifestyle factors that reduce risk
Lowering cholesterol in general has many facets and controlling body weight and getting enough physical exercise are two important ways to do this. Dietary changes, such as following the Mediterranean diet (eating more fish and less red meat, reducing carbohydrates and using olive oil instead of animal fats), could bring immense benefits.
Sugar remains an important factor
Metabolic syndrome is a term that encompasses all of these things, like abnormalities in cholesterol, body weight and diabetes, they are all linked. This study makes a good point by showing that eating too much sugar has a negative impact on your cholesterol levels and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome.
In conclusion
New research shows that drinks high in sugar can not only raise cholesterol levels, but also lower the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) in our bodies. This increases our risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts claim that sugar consumption significantly influences our cholesterol levels. They recommend following a Mediterranean diet, getting enough exercise and having your cholesterol levels checked at least once a year, all effective ways to maintain cardiovascular health.
