Scientists warn about how sugar affects your cholesterol and heart: insulin resistance and fatty liver

Cholesterol is vital to the body's functioning , and it's no secret that high levels can become a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. However, many people are unaware of the relationship between excessive sugar consumption and increased levels of this fatty substance naturally present in all cells of the human body: it can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates (which convert to sugars) can trigger insulin resistance, increase triglyceride production, and cause fatty liver disease, all three of which affect cholesterol levels.

A study shared in Science Focus analyzed this duality that cholesterol holds in our bodies. “Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the construction of cell membranes, and is important in several hormones and other biological substances that keep us alive,” explained Rory Collins, director of the Nuffield Population Health Department (the UK's largest health charity).

However, nearly 40 percent of the world's population may have high cholesterol levels without knowing it, as the increase in fat is asymptomatic and the only way to control it is through laboratory blood tests and medical follow-up. A report by the World Heart Foundation revealed that cholesterol is responsible for approximately 4.4 million deaths annually.

If cholesterol levels in the body are elevated, first steps should be taken such as increasing—or starting—a regular aerobic exercise routine and adjusting your diet, increasing your consumption of fiber-rich foods, whole grains, and legumes, and decreasing your consumption of red meat, ultra-processed foods, and high-fat foods.

“Completely eliminating fats to lower cholesterol is nonsense. Eating a high-fat diet can improve cholesterol, while eating a high-carb diet can worsen it,” said British physician and science journalist Tim Spector.

Yes, it is essential to stop consuming sugary drinks and reduce your overall sugar intake , because excess sugar can lead to insulin resistance, increase triglyceride production, and cause fatty liver disease, which can affect cholesterol levels.

Dr. Guillermo Rodríguez Navarrete, a physician popularly known on TikTok as @Nutrillermo, where he has more than 400,000 followers, shares a key recommendation outside of exercise: "If you want to do just one thing to take care of your health, you should stop eating sugar."

According to National Geographic, sugar is linked to various health problems such as:

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood and is classified into two main types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or "bad cholesterol," and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or "good cholesterol."

In measurements, through a blood test, LDL cholesterol should be below 100-140 mg/dl and HDL should be above 35 mg/dl for men and 40 mg/dl for women.