For decades, conventional wisdom has told us that saturated fat is the enemy when it comes to heart disease. But research now shows the real culprit isn’t fat—it’s sugar.
Here’s why:
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Saturated fats from animal proteins, eggs, and cheese don’t cause heart disease and actually play an important role in health.
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The real danger comes from type B LDL particles, which are linked to cardiovascular disease and rise primarily due to excess sugar intake—not fat.
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Trans fats (in margarine, shortening, and processed oils) further increase heart disease risk by raising harmful LDL and lowering protective HDL cholesterol.
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Americans today consume up to 225 grams of sugar daily, much of it hidden in processed foods. This sugar spike fuels inflammation, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, kidney stress, and even cancer risks.
Experts now recommend limiting sugar to no more than 25 grams (5 teaspoons) per day to protect the heart and reduce inflammation.
The takeaway? Don’t fear healthy fats—ditch the sugar instead.