A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health has found that drinking sweetened beverages can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but consuming sugary drinks in moderation may actually lower the risk.
Researchers conducted the study in Sweden and analyzed data from two major studies involving over 69,000 participants. They discovered that consuming too much added sugar increases the chance of cardiac events such as ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
However, they found that consuming sugary drinks in moderation was linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. This suggests that the context in which sugar is consumed plays a significant role in its impact on health.
According to the study’s corresponding author, Suzanne Janzi, individuals can make more informed dietary choices by understanding these associations and reducing their intake of added sugars. However, she notes that this study cannot establish causality and other factors may have influenced the results.
The researchers suggest that liquid sugars present in sweetened beverages may make people feel less full, leading to overconsumption. The context of consumption also plays a role, as people tend to enjoy treats in social settings or on special occasions, while drinking sugary beverages more regularly.
Experts agree that this study contributes to the existing evidence base suggesting that higher intakes of added sugar negatively impact cardiovascular health. However, they caution that other variables may have influenced the results and emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to sugar consumption.
Source: https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/12/09/sweden-sweetened-beverages-cardiovascular-risk-study/7181733695289