Staying Healthy
Sugary drinks may raise levels of harmful blood fats
Researchers assigned 85 healthy adults to four different groups. One group drank beverages containing the artificial sweetener aspartame, while the others drank beverages sweetened with various percentages (10%, 17.5%, and 25%) of high-fructose corn syrup. After two weeks, LDL cholesterol levels held steady in people who drank aspartame-sweetened drinks. But among those who drank beverages with high-fructose corn syrup, LDL cholesterol rose in tandem with the percentage of sweetener.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.