Day 2: Heart Health

Cutting back on sugar can lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and triglyceride levels.

Yes, cutting back on sugar can significantly help your heart health by lowering the risk of heart disease as excessive sugar intake is linked to increased blood pressure, inflammation in the blood vessels, and higher triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular issues; therefore, reducing sugar intake can be beneficial for overall heart health. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key points about sugar and heart health: [1, 4, 5]

• Increased risk with high sugar intake: Studies have shown a strong association between high sugar consumption and a higher risk of dying from heart disease. [1, 4, 5]
• Mechanisms of harm: Excess sugar can contribute to high blood pressure, inflammation in blood vessels, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which can damage the heart. [1, 3, 4]
• Importance of reducing added sugar: Focusing on reducing added sugars in beverages and processed foods is particularly important for heart health. [4, 6, 7]
• Consult a healthcare professional: If you are concerned about your sugar intake and heart health, talk to your doctor about creating a personalized plan to reduce sugar in your diet. [8, 9, 10]

Generative AI is experimental reference guide.
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/obesity-sugar-and-heart-health
[2] https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2016/07/403601/cutting-sugar-causes-drop-heart-disease-risk-factors-among-obese-children
[3] https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7679-how-does-sugar-affect-your-heart-health
[4] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
[5] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eating-too-much-added-sugar-increases-the-risk-of-dying-with-heart-disease-201402067021
[6] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-a-sugary-diet-may-sabotage-your-heart-health
[7] https://www.heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living/healthy-eating/reduce-sugar
[8] https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/10/30/why-sugar-matters-and-how-to-cut-back-if-you-are-eating-too-much-of-it
[9] https://today.tamu.edu/2024/02/16/too-much-sugar-isnt-so-sweet-for-your-heart/
[10] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-sugar-bad-for-your-heart