Consuming too much sugar is not healthy and can contribute to weight gain and dental problems. While often not connected, a high-sugar diet can also contribute to heart disease and heart blockage. To prevent complications, it is important to reduce intake of all types of sugar, including both refined and natural substitutes, because some are no more nutritional than table sugar.
Heart Blockage
Heart blockage is a term used to describe a problem within the blood vessels that supply the heart and brain with blood and oxygen. If the blood vessels that supply the heart become blocked, the heart muscle will not receive the blood and oxygen it needs, which can lead to a heart attack. If the blockage occurs in a blood vessel that supplies the brain, a stroke can occur. This blockage of the blood vessels is also called coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis; diet plays a role in the development and seriousness of this condition, says FamilyDoctor.org. To help manage or prevent heart blockage, it is important to limit fat, cholesterol and salt intake as well as sugar.
Weight Gain
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaques builds up along the walls of the blood vessels, making them hard and narrow. This process can block the flow of blood to the heart or brain and/or pieces of plaque can break off and create a blockage. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits plays an important role in preventing and managing heart disease and this includes maintaining a healthy weight, notes the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Refined sugar, as well as foods and beverages containing refined sugar, can add many extra calories to your diet, which can lead to weight gain. Instead of sugary foods, go for fruit to help satisfy a sweet tooth.
High Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are created from extra calories consumed but not used right away for energy. Like cholesterol, a high level of triglycerides raises the risk of heart disease and plaque buildup. A diet high in simple or refined sugars can significantly raise your triglyceride levels, reports Cleveland Clinic. You need to limit consumption of both table sugar as well as natural sweeteners such as honey and molasses, since they have no more nutritional value than table sugar. If you have or are at risk for high triglycerides, you may need to watch your fruit intake as well, as even excessive intake of natural sugars can cause your triglyceride level to go too high. A physician or registered dietitian can help you develop safe amounts to consume based on your personal health.
Solution
The American Heart Association recommends that women limit sugar intake to no more than 100 calories or 6 tsp. of sugar daily; men should limit intake to 150 calories or 9 tsp. daily. This includes sugar intake from all sources, which means limiting consumption of products that contain sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maltose, honey, molasses, cane sugar, corn sweetener, raw sugar, syrup, fruit juice concentrates and high-fructose corn syrup. Beverages can be a source of hidden sugars as well; thus, it is best to go for diet drinks. Even better, choose plain water or water flavored with a squirt of lime, lemon or cranberry juice.
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