Common ingredient in ‘healthy’ foods linked to stroke risk | UK | News
As many Brits prepare to hit their 2026 weight loss and fitness goals, they may be unknowingly undermining their efforts with healthy foods that appear to be full of hidden sugars. This sneaky ingredient is found in numerous food items, including those marketed for diet and fitness, and is often hidden within the nutritional information on the packaging.
A. The Lancet’s 2023 research It found that people on high-sugar diets face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. A study highlighting the deceptive nature of some ‘healthy’ products has highlighted the harmful effects of low-calorie drinks on cardiovascular health, despite their appearance being healthier than regular fizzy drinks.
The average UK adult is thought to consume more than double the recommended daily intake of sugar. This not only increases the body’s tendency to store fat, especially around the belly, but also compromises metabolic and cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
While most people know that added sugars in treats like desserts and chocolates affect health, this ingredient is also lurking in many other products, including granola bars, that can catch people off guard. Surrey Live.
The study noted: “Sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and artificially sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk of CVD (cardiovascular disease) and CHD (coronary heart disease). Conversely, ultra-processed salty snacks, cold cereals, and yogurt/dairy-based desserts were inversely associated with CVD and CHD risk. Ultra-processed bread and cold cereals were associated with a lower risk of stroke and hard heart disease. Drinks with a lower risk of CHD.”
we are talking about coronary heart disease, The NHS states that signs and symptoms of this include:
- chest pain (angina)
- shortness of breath
- pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw, or arms
- feeling faint
- feeling sick (nausea)
Medical experts say, as in the research, that ‘coronary heart disease occurs when your heart’s blood flow is blocked or interrupted due to the buildup of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.’ Over time, the walls of your arteries can become covered with fatty deposits. This process is known as atherosclerosis, and the fatty deposits are called atheromas.
“Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. You also have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis if you have conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.”
Talk about cardiovascular disease, Also cited in the research, the NHS states that it is often “associated with the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be associated with damage to the arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.”
It also explains that CVD is currently one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK; However, this condition can be “prevented” if you adopt a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced diet includes:
- Low levels of saturated fat – try to eat healthier sources of fat such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds and olive oil, and avoid unhealthy fats such as fatty meat, lard, cream, cakes and biscuits
- Low salt levels – aim for less than 6 grams (0.2 ounces or 1 teaspoon) per day
- low sugar levels
- foods with plenty of fiber and whole grains
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables – eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day
If you have chest pain, you may have some type of circulatory or heart disease. BHF Stomach pain such as indigestion, arm, jaw or back pain, feeling sweaty, feeling suffocated, feeling sick, swelling in the ankles, leg pain, extreme tiredness or palpation.
