Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of heart disease risk factors. High carbohydrate diets have been associated with higher risk for elevated metabolic syndrome risk, but a recent study supports the body of research suggesting that not all carbohydrates are equal.
The study followed over 3,000 Black and White American adults for 20 years. Participants who reported higher intake of added sugars were 38 percent more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who reported eating less added sugars. Foods with added sugars included sugar-sweetened beverages, frozen desserts, refined grain products (like cakes, cookies, and pies), breakfast cereals, and other foods less often associated with added sugars, such as flavored yogurts, ketchup, and barbecue sauce.
Importantly, people in this study with higher intake of added sugars also had lower intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. To protect against metabolic syndrome, swap out refined and sweetened foods and beverages for whole and minimally processed, unsweetened foods and naturally sweet fruits.