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5mo ago

Study Links Sweetened Drinks to Higher Cardiovascular Risk, While Moderate Treats May Be Protective

New research reveals that the type of sugar consumed significantly impacts heart health, with sweetened beverages posing greater risks than occasional sugary treats.

The study observed that more than how much sugar we consumed, the source of sugar had a deeper impact on health.
Sugary drinks are associated with a greater risk of heart disease than baked goods, according to ta new study.
Added sugar intake was positively associated with ischemic stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, although the highest risks of most outcomes were found in the lowest intake category; positive linear associations were found between toppings intake and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and between sweetened beverage intake and ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm; negative linear associations were found between treats intake (pastries, ice cream, chocolate, and sweets) and all outcomes, and between toppings intake (table sugar, honey, jams, and marmalades) and heart failure and aortic stenosis. Image credit: Ernesto Rodriguez.

Overview

  • A study of nearly 70,000 Swedish adults found sweetened beverages increased risks of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • Moderate consumption of treats like pastries, ice cream, and chocolate was associated with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to very low or no consumption.
  • The study suggests that extremely low sugar intake may not always be beneficial, potentially reflecting restrictive diets or pre-existing health conditions.
  • Liquid sugars in beverages may lead to overconsumption due to lower satiety compared to solid sugars in foods containing fiber, protein, or fats.
  • Researchers emphasize the importance of sugar sources and context, noting that occasional treats in social settings may have protective effects on heart health.