You’ve been warned: 3 drinks that “push” your cholesterol up. It’s not just alcohol or soda. They’re also bad!!!
You’ve been warned: 3 drinks you should “avoid” if you don’t want your cholesterol to “surge” and your symptoms to worsen!
High cholesterol can be serious if left untreated. As many of you know, cutting out certain foods is a good start and is a sure way to go. However, there are three drinks that can make your condition worse, so it’s important to do the same.
High cholesterol can clog arteries with fat and impede blood flow to the สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน heart. High-fat foods and sugary drinks are the main culprits in raising cholesterol levels and increasing the number of lipoproteins. While necessary for good health, excess “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) can cause problems if it builds up in large amounts.
Living an active lifestyle and eating a balanced diet can help to maintain a healthy and balanced ratio of cholesterol. However, consuming too many soft drinks and highly sweetened fruit juices can increase the risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels, and products that are marketed as “healthier choices” can mislead consumers.
According to Healthline, people who regularly drink sugary drinks, soft drinks and processed fruit juices are 53% more likely to have high triglycerides than those who drink less frequently. Meanwhile, the British Heart Foundation warns against believing in “alternative drinks” that claim to be healthy.
fruit juice
Excessive sugar consumption is a major factor in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of serious heart problems such as heart attack and stroke.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) points out the difference between juice and whole fruit, recommending that “you should have no more than 150ml of juice, and one glass of pure, unsweetened fruit juice counts as one of your five daily intakes. Be aware that while juice contains vitamins, it also contains sugar – a small glass can contain two to three teaspoons.” It also notes that just 150ml of orange juice contains as much sugar as three oranges, while also providing beneficial fibre.
He also suggests that infused fruit water is a good option. Try adding citrus fruits, berries or cucumber to plain water. The natural flavors provide a little sweetness without the high sugar content. You can also drink hibiscus, chamomile or green tea hot or cold, as these teas contain antioxidants and natural flavors with virtually no added sugar.
Carbonated drinks
Soft drinks, especially those containing sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, are often high in empty calories and sugar with no nutritional value. Regular consumption of these beverages may be associated with obesity and metabolic problems that can negatively affect heart health, such as high triglyceride levels, while also lowering high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol, according to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
Many people choose sugar-free soft drinks for this reason. But despite their name, these drinks are not completely free of harmful ingredients. They use artificial sweeteners, which the British Heart Foundation considers a suitable option for people managing diabetes, as they do not cause an immediate spike in blood sugar levels.
However, Victoria Taylor, a veteran nutritionist specializing in weight management and cardiovascular disease prevention programs, stresses the limitations of artificial sweeteners. “They may help you reduce the amount of sugar in, say, tea or soda,” she advises. “But ultimately, you have to reduce the total amount of sweetness in your diet if you want to make long-term changes to your tastes.”
That’s in line with what naturopathic doctor Jacob Wolfe of Connor Whole Health University Hospital says, warning people to be wary of popular “natural” sodas that contain added sugar alternatives, pointing out that stevia and cactus nectar may “trick the body into wanting more.”
Studies have shown that just one or two diet sodas a day can have negative health effects. If you drink larger amounts regularly, the harmful effects of these beverages multiply, which can increase your risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, weight gain, stroke, and dementia.
Alcoholic beverages
Alcohol also causes problems for cholesterol management because it affects the functioning of the liver, making it twice as harmful as sugary or caffeinated drinks.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) states: “When you drink alcohol, your body makes triglycerides and cholesterol in your liver. If your triglyceride levels are too high, they can build up in your liver, leading to fatty liver disease.”
This disease affects the liver’s function and the removal of cholesterol from the blood, resulting in high cholesterol levels. In addition, regular alcohol consumption, which should not exceed 14 units per week, also increases the risk of weight gain, high blood pressure, and some cancers.