After analyzing questionnaires sent to 6,113 people over seven years, U.S. researchers say that sugar and sweeteners added to processed foods actually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also plays a role in the development of obesity and diabetes.
Participants were also asked to undergo a blood test to determine their cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglyceride levels.
Researchers found that in people whose consumption of added sugar accounts for 10% of total calories, cholesterol HDL (good cholesterol) is significantly less than those whose consumption of sugar does not exceed 5% of daily caloric intake .This greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.
Researchers noted an increase in triglyceride levels among consumers of sugars and sweeteners, which also adds to the risk of heart disease.
These added sugars and sweeteners are present in several forms such as corn syrup, fructose, glucose or concentrated fruit juice. They are found in many soft drinks, prepared meals, preserves, desserts and cereals, to name a few.
Dr. Miriam Vos of Emory School of Medicine worked on this study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. She wrote: "Just like eating a high-fat diet can increase your levels of triglycerides and high cholesterol, eating sugar can also affect those same lipids."