In the 1980s, our employers held company meetings to tell us about the new USDA Dietary Guidelines. We were to eliminate as much fat from our diets as possible, and to avoid eating things like eggs, which contain cholesterol. Sugar was okay, they said, as long as you were not diabetic. Seriously. In fact, that was the answer in response to an audience question.
Today nutrition “science” has decided that eggs are fine, trans fats are bad, the danger of saturated fats was exaggerated, and sugar consumption is bad, very bad – and may be a cause of inflammation and heart disease.
Now it is viewed that cholesterol and triglycerides levels are raised as a result of consuming sugar. In other words, nutrition “science” had it backwards and condemned at least 2 entire generations to obesity, diabetes and heart disease issues.
From DuckDuckGo AI Search
Sugar consumption can raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol while lowering “good” HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, high sugar intake can lead to elevated triglycerides, further contributing to cholesterol-related health issues. icfamilymedicine.com Cleveland Clinic
Impact of Sugar on Cholesterol Levels
Sugar and Cholesterol Types
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol, it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Higher levels are beneficial for heart health.
How Sugar Affects Cholesterol
- Increases LDL: High sugar intake can lead the liver to produce more LDL cholesterol. This contributes to higher levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
- Decreases HDL: Excessive sugar consumption can lower HDL cholesterol levels, reducing the body’s ability to clear LDL from the bloodstream.
- Raises Triglycerides: Sugar contributes to increased triglyceride levels, another type of fat in the blood. High triglycerides, combined with high LDL and low HDL, significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Sources of Added Sugar
- Common sources include sugary drinks, candies, baked goods, and processed foods. On average, Americans consume about 22 teaspoons of added sugars daily, which can lead to health issues.
Recommendations for Sugar Intake
- Women should limit added sugars to 6 teaspoons per day, while men should aim for 9 teaspoons. Reducing sugar intake can help improve cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
Conclusion
Limiting sugar consumption is crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
