Is There A Link Between Sugar and Heart Disease?

Recommended Dietary Guidelines

The US Government’s Dietary Guidelines recommends that all Americans limit the amount of added sugars in their diet to less than 10% of daily calories. “Added sugars” are any sugar or syrup added to food or beverages during processing or preparation. Most Americans consume too many added sugars, often from sugary drinks, and junk food. One out of ten people gets ¼ or more of their calories from sugar.

Unhealthy for the Heart

Although sugar tastes good, consuming it in high volumes may be harmful to the heart. Eating sugar increases insulin in the body. Regular insulin spikes may damage the endothelial lining of blood vessels and may cause inflammation. Inflammation can lead to heart issues. A high sugar diet may lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol; all of which increase the risk of heart attack.

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests those who consume 17-21% of their daily calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of suffering from heart disease than those who consumed 8%. Adopting a low added sugar diet may decrease the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 100-150 calories of sugar a day. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet begins with an exam at Carolina Heart and Leg Center, P.A. The caring doctors will evaluate your cardiovascular health and recommend a healthy diet for your individual heart needs.

At Carolina Heart And Leg Center, P.A. we are dedicated to serving our patients in a caring and supportive atmosphere with expert knowledge, patient education, and the highest standard of care. Contact us today at (910) 491- 1760 and put your health in good hands.

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