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Thursday, February 6, 2025

A new study suggests that sugary drinks may increase risk of premature death

According to a new study, regular consumption of sugary drinks may increase the risk of death. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, analyzed global data on sugar-sweetened beverages, related studies, and the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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Using a comparative risk model, researchers at Tufts University’s Food is Medicine Institute estimated that sugary drinks may cause more than 330,000 deaths from diabetes and cardiovascular disease each year. The study’s lead author, cardiologist Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian considers that widespread consumption of sugary beverages has led to a public health crisis that requires urgent action.

Particularly urgent intervention is necessary in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the highest association between cardiovascular illnesses and sugary drink consumption has been found. In sub-Saharan Africa, a significant association has also been found with type 2 diabetes caused by sugary drinks.

The study also found that younger, higher-educated men living in urban areas were most affected. Because the study did not involve a control group, the researchers could not definitively state that sugar-sweetened beverages cause diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but the conclusion seems logical, since many studies have shown the harmful effects of sugary drinks on the body.

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Sugar-sweetened beverages practically contain only empty calories, that is, calories without any nutritional value, and are a source of rapidly digestible carbohydrates that enter the bloodstream and quickly raise blood sugar levels.

“Liquid sugars are absorbed more rapidly in the digestive system since they do not require the same breakdown processes as solid foods,” explained Suzanne Janzi, a nutritionist expert at Lund University in Sweden who was not involved in the study.

Solid sugars are often part of foods that also contain other nutrients, such as fiber, protein and fat. These nutrients slow down digestion, which means that the sugar is released into the bloodstream more gradually, she explained.

Liquid sugars, on the other hand, are not only absorbed more quickly, but they also don’t provide a sense of satiety, leading to the risk of consuming too many calories.

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However, Mozaffarian says that soft drinks that contain sweeteners other than sugar are also not a long-term solution, as they can also be harmful to your health. So instead of relying on artificial sweeteners, Mozaffarian advises choosing unsweetened beverages.

Hydration is important for regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, core temperature, and digestion, but it’s important not to consume unnecessary calories. It’s best to drink plain water, and if you want to flavor it, add a little fresh lemon juice or herbs like mint.

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