A
recent study done at Emory University, located in Atlanta, has linked high added
sugar intake with a higher heart disease risk. The study showed that added sugar
dropped the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is what is
referred to as good cholesterol. The study also revealed that the added sugar
raised the level of triglycerides , adding a higher risk for heart disease.
This is among the first studies that associate sugar intake with cholesterol
levels. Jean Walsh, the author of the study stated that 16 percent of American
calories consumed are sugar. That is approximately 21 teaspoons of sugar and is
about twice the amount that The American Heart Association recommends. Over
6,000 adults were evaluated in the study that started in 1999 and ended in 2006.
There were 5 groups that were separated according to the amount of their intake
of sugar. There was an average of about 3 teaspoons consumed daily in the lowest
group. The average consumed in the highest group was 46 teaspoons daily. The
study showed there was a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the odds of high levels
of triglycerides in the group with highest consumption of sugar.
A spokesperson for the Heart Association stated that she hoped the study would
make people aware of the consequences of high sugar consumption.
Source : Tech Jackal
