The Silent Culprit of Hypertension
Millions of people suffer from , and most are unaware until complications arise. Research has shown that if more than a quarter of daily calories come from , the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases triples, according to Daily Mail.
consumed eight or more times a week increase the likelihood of heart aneurysms by nearly a third, while the risk of or heart failure rises by one-fifth.
How Sugar “Breaks” the Body
- Excess sugar can raise uric acid levels, which hinders the kidneys from producing nitric oxide—a substance that relaxes blood vessels.
- As a result, the system regulating blood pressure and salt balance in the blood is activated, causing blood pressure readings to rise.
- Ultra-processed foods (UPF)—those with colorings, preservatives, and sweeteners—increase the risk of cardiovascular problems by nearly 6% for every additional 100 grams consumed daily.
Why You Should Pay Attention Right Now
Recently, there has been a sharp increase in heart attacks among young people, and deaths from cardiovascular diseases have reached their highest level in the past decade. While stress, , and lack of sleep also affect blood pressure, added sugars remain a subtle yet serious risk factor.
A Small Step Towards a Healthy Heart
Cutting back on sugary drinks and ready-made meals is a simple way to protect your blood vessels and heart. Developing the habit of reading labels and choosing less processed foods could be the very decision that saves your life tomorrow.
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