Teen Hearts May Take a Beating With High Intake of Sugary Drinks and Carbohydrates

Those teens whose diet includes high amount of sugary drinks and carbohydrates must watch out for increased risk of heart disease as adults. To understand the impact of increased consumption of sugars on heart health, 2157 teenagers from America participated in the National Health and Nutrition examination survey. 476 calories or 119 grams was the average quantity of sugar consumed in a day. This amounted to 21 percent of calories consumed by teens.

The study revealed that teenagers whose intake of added sugar was very high, portrayed 9 percent higher LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and 10 percent higher triglyceride levels  as compared to teens who consumed less sugars.

Those who consumed highest amount of added sugar also portrayed less levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol compared to those who consumed less of added sugar. They also showed signs of insulin resistance, which could cause diabetes and increase risk of heart diseases.

Certainly, a good idea to avoid added sugars from a young age!



Source-Medindia