A recent study from BYU researchers has found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages like soda or juice may be more harmful to health than eating it. The study analyzed data from various sources and found a strong relationship between consuming these drinks and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
According to the study, with each additional serving of sugar-sweetened beverage per day, the risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases by 25%. This association holds true even after accounting for other lifestyle factors like body mass index and energy intake. In contrast, consuming fruit juice showed a much smaller increase in risk, at just 5%.
The researchers suggest that drinking sugary drinks may be more problematic because they supply isolated sugars that can overwhelm the liver, leading to insulin resistance and increased liver fat. On the other hand, dietary sugars consumed in whole foods like fruits, dairy products, or whole grains do not cause metabolic overload.
The study’s lead author, Karen Della Corte, notes that this finding highlights the need for stricter recommendations on liquid sugars like those found in sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice. The researchers also suggest that future dietary guidelines should consider the differential effects of sugar based on its source and form.
Source: https://news.byu.edu/intellect/rethinking-sugar-byu-study-shows-food-source-is-key-to-understanding-diabetes-risk