Despite widespread awareness of the health risks, adults continue to consume sugar drinks more than once a week, according to the government’s annual Family Food survey.
Studies have equally highlighted a troubling connection between sugar-sweetened beverages and high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol plays a crucial role inside the human body, naturally occurring to make cells and regulate hormones
Though hypercholesterolemia is incredibly common and may be related to genetics, it does not discount the need for diet modifications.
Studies have highlighted a connection between sugar-sweetened drinks and high cholesterol
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Registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, Trista Best, told GB News: “We are discovering more about what impacts a person’s cholesterol levels from genetics to diet to lifestyle habits.
“It is becoming more clear that genetics play a larger role in how the body processes cholesterol and one’s risk for high cholesterol.
“Still, there are some dietary habits that can exacerbate or lead to high cholesterol.”
The expert highlighted the impact of sugar drink consumption on cardiovascular health, noting that it can lead to serious health complications.
Trista explained: “Sugary beverages are among the top beverage contributors to high cholesterol.
“One 12-year study involving 6,000 participants found that sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed more by those with high cholesterol than those with normal cholesterol in the study.”
The link comes down to how the human body processes high quantities of fructose sugar found in carbonated beverages.
The liver plays a vital role in processing sugar drinks, which are made with fructose due to its low production costs.
When consumed as a liquid, the sugar enters the bloodstream much more rapidly than those from solid foods.
High cholesterol is closely associated with cardiovascular complications
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The absence of solids and quicker absorption into the bloodstream make it easier for people to consume larger quantities.
Ultimately, this can lead to greater cholesterol accumulation in the body, with deposits accumulating on the lining of the arteries.
To prevent this from happening, dieters must also reduce their intake of saturated fats found in red meat, high-fat dairy products and fried foods.
Swapping these out for vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains will also support a healthier blood lipid profile.