09/04/2025
A major 15-year study published in *JAMA Internal Medicine* has revealed that added sugar may pose a greater risk to heart health than cholesterol itself—more than doubling the chance of dying from heart disease, even in people who are not overweight.
Researchers found that individuals who consumed 25% or more of their daily calories from added sugar were over twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those who consumed less than 10%. This risk held true regardless of age, weight, activity levels, or cholesterol numbers, making sugar intake a universal concern.
The biggest culprits include sugary drinks, desserts, candy, sweetened cereals, and fruit drinks. Excess sugar can raise blood pressure and trigger the liver to release harmful fats into the bloodstream. The American Heart Association recommends keeping daily sugar intake under 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men, but just one soda can exceed these limits. Small swaps, like fruit-infused seltzer or naturally sweetened snacks, can make a big difference in protecting your heart.
