High cholesterol can wreak havoc on your heart by clogging arteries with fatty deposits, and it's not just food that can worsen the symptoms. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that naturally occurs in the liver and is also present in food and drink . High-fat foods and processed beverages are two common culprits of high cholesterol, with everything from fizzy drinks to potent alcohol known to boost lipoprotein levels.
While lipoproteins are crucial for healthy development, an excess of 'bad' cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDL), can block the heart's blood supply when allowed to accumulate. A balanced diet and active lifestyle can maintain moderate levels of both 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol in the body, but as Christmas looms, sugary drinks and rich food can quickly supplant healthier habits. Due to their concentrated sugar content, sugary beverages like sweet, fizzy soda and processed fruit juices can heighten the risk of developing higher levels of unhealthy fats.
However, the British Heart Foundation says the "healthy alternatives" are also problematic. Fruit juice Healthline, a medically endorsed website, revealed that consumers of sweet fizzy drinks and processed fruit juices face a 53 percent increased risk of high triglycerides compared to those who seldom indulge. Excessive sugar consumption is a known culprit in escalating the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heightened cholesterol levels, all potential precursors to deadly cardiac conditions such.