Is eating too much sugar harmful for your heart? Some tips for better heart health – Times Now

Is eating too much sugar harmful for your heart? Some tips for better heart health | Photo Credits: Canva&nbsp

Heart is one of the most vital organs of the body

Heart health is significantly linked with the diet you consume

Here is all you need to know about the link between consumption of sugar and heart health

New Delhi: The heart is one of the most vital organs of the body and requires special care. Heart-related ailments are one of the most common causes of death all around the world, and therefore, it becomes even more important to ensure that one takes steps to keep it healthy. The food we eat, and the lifestyle we follow, perhaps has a direct impact on the whole body, internally and externally, and the heart is no different.

Consumption of sugar is often linked with only diabetes and weight gain. While sugar consumption does have a direct link with weight gain, especially in the abdomen area, which significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, the link between sugar consumption and heart health is often confusing.

Is eating too much sugar harmful for your heart?

While many people who do not suffer from diabetes may feel they can binge eat sugar and sugary food, without putting their health at risk, they may be hugely mistaken.

One obvious reason for the same is that excess sugar consumption can increase your risk of obesity, which in turn, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies, conducted over time, have linked obesity with an increased risk of heart diseases.

However, a study in has also shown that a diet very high in sugar can increase your risk of dying due to heart disease, even if you are not overweight. This is a significant finding in terms of the risk of heart disease and sugar consumption link, as many people believe the two are not directly linked.

Studies have also found that sugar can prevent triglycerides from being broken down, in the heart. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that if increase above normal levels can cause heart diseases. Sugar has also been linked with high LDL – bad cholesterol, and low HDL – good cholesterol.

The link between heart disease and diabetes

The link between sugar consumption, diabetes, and heart health is also important to understand in order to make a change in your dietary habits. Many people believe that eating sugar can cause diabetes. However, diabetes is not directly caused by the consumption of excess sugar, but it can lead to obesity, which significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

According to the USA, diabetes is linked with a high risk of heart disease. As diabetes leads to a spike in blood glucose levels, it can lead to damage to the blood vessels in the heart. People who have diabetes are at a very high risk of developing heart diseases as well, and the longer someone has diabetes, the sooner they are likely to experience heart troubles. Data suggests that adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke, as people without diabetes.

The way out

The bottom line is, an unhealthy diet can have direct and indirect impacts on your body, and almost all your vital organs. A healthy, balanced diet, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, avoiding binge drinking, following a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical check-ups are extremely important to stay healthy and fit and live a long life. Including heart-healthy foods in your diet, avoiding the use of excessive oil in food, and keeping a check on your sugar and salt consumption can help you keep your heart healthy.