According to a study published in the journal BMC Medicine, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with increased consumption of free or added sugars, which are found in sweets, beverages, and fruit juice. The findings of this study provided evidence that supported the recommendation of reducing free sugar consumption to below 5% of total daily energy.

For the study, the researchers analyzed the data from 110,497 individuals who had completed at least two dietary assessments. They followed participants for about 9.4 years. Over that time, the researchers found that 4,188, 3,138, and 1,124 participants reported cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.

According to the study, outcomes related to cardiovascular disease and total carbohydrate intake were unrelated. However, after examining the types and sources of carbohydrates ingested, the researchers discovered that a higher intake of free sugar from foods such as sugary drinks, fruit juice, and sweets was linked to a higher risk of all outcomes related to cardiovascular disease. The findings of the study showed that the chance of developing any kind of cardiovascular disease increased by 7% for every 5% increase in total energy from free sugars.

Additionally, they also discovered a 6% increase in the risk of heart disease and a 10% increase in the chance of stroke. Although eating five grammes more fibre per day was linked to a 4% lower risk of all cardiovascular disease, this association vanished when body mass index (BMI) was taken into account. Hence, they suggested that substituting non-free sugars, mostly those found naturally in whole fruits and vegetables, for free sugars as well as increasing fiber intake can help in preventing cardiovascular disease. 

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/free-sugars-linked-with-higher-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease-study-479685 )