Mayo Cardiologist Warns 20-Gram-Sugar Protein Shakes Can Harm Heart Health
Updated
Updated · Moneycontrol · Jun 28
Mayo Cardiologist Warns 20-Gram-Sugar Protein Shakes Can Harm Heart Health
3 articles · Updated · Moneycontrol · Jun 28
Summary
Dr. Kyla Lara-Breitinger said ready-to-drink protein shakes, smoothies and fortified snacks marketed as healthy can quietly raise long-term risks of heart attack and stroke.
More than 20 grams of sugar in some protein drinks—roughly comparable to soda or candy bars—plus heavy processing and hidden ingredients drove the warning.
Lower-sugar versions may still rely on artificial sweeteners, which she said could affect gut health and eating behavior even when labels look healthier.
Mayo’s advice was to favor whole foods, especially plant-based proteins such as legumes, and treat packaged high-protein products as occasional rather than routine choices.