A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health has found that sugary drinks like soda were associated with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular health disease than sweets like baked goods. The study, which surveyed nearly 70,000 Swedish men and women between 1997 and 2009, found that consuming sweet drinks was linked to a higher risk of heart disease, including strokes, heart attacks, and heart failures.
Researchers looked at sugar consumption in three categories: sugary beverages, sweets like pastries, and toppings like honey or sugar added to tea or coffee. They found that drinking soda was associated with a higher risk of heart disease than consuming baked treats, but surprisingly, those who consumed the least amount of sugar did not end up with the lowest risk of heart disease.
However, researchers noted that the study was observational, meaning they cannot say for sure that sugary drinks caused the increased risk of heart disease. They adjusted for other factors that might influence the association, including age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, exercise level, and body mass index (BMI).
Lead study author Suzanne Janzi suggested one theory behind the association: people with very low sugar intake may be replacing sugar with other unhealthy foods or nutrients. She also pointed to a Swedish social tradition called “fika,” where people gather for coffee and pastries, which could explain why those who limit their sugar consumption tend to have lower cardiovascular risks.
The study found that liquid sugars are absorbed more rapidly in the digestive system, leading to a quicker spike in blood sugar levels. This can lead to appetite dysregulation and increased calorie intake. On the other hand, solid sugars are often part of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, nuts, and whole grains, which slow down digestion.
The study suggests that reducing sugary drink consumption is key to preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons for women and 9 for men. Registered dietitian Lisa Drayer advises making sustainable reductions in sugar intake by cutting back on one serving per day until reaching zero soft drinks, then gradually switching to seltzer or sparkling water.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/10/health/sugary-drinks-heart-disease-wellness/index.html