6 WAYS BY WHICH SUGAR AFFECTS YOUR HEART
Excessive sugar consumption has a significant impact on heart health, and its effects go beyond just weight gain. When you consume high amounts of added sugar, it raises your blood glucose levels, which in turn forces your pancreas to produce more insulin. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Too much sugar also contributes to obesity, which is one of the major risk factors for high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and heart failure. Sugar-laden foods and drinks can elevate triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) while lowering HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that helps protect your heart. This imbalance increases the likelihood of plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which can trigger heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, sugar causes inflammation in blood vessels, weakening them and making it harder for your cardiovascular system to functio...