A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that as sugar intake increased, HDL or good cholesterol levels decreased. In addition, triglycerides — fats that pose a cardiovascular risk — increased. An increased intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars have the biggest impact on triglycerides. Low levels of HDL and high levels of triglycerides are signs of poor cholesterol levels. The study also found that women who eat more added sugar tend to have higher levels of LDL.