Even in small quantities, soda raises risk of heart diseases, stroke and diabetes

A new study found that drinking just two cans of soda is sufficient to elevate the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and stroke. Soda increases blood pressure and if added with sugar, increases blood sugar too. More than 85 thousand edible products are available in the US market, including supplements, cereals, beverages and energy boosters that contain added sugar.

According to the report, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola has 39 gm of sugar, which is 14 gm more than the daily recommended intake of sugar for adults. High sugar levels in beverages pose risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome – a bunch of conditions that lead to heart attack, diabetes and stroke. Published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, the research indicated that regular intake of soda increases the risk of gaining fat, weight, high blood pressure and reduced level of good cholesterol in the blood.

This research included 36 different studies of individuals, who were habituated to drink more than 5 sugar-based beverages in a week, and examined risk factors associated with soda intake in the last 10 years. The participants were found to have decreased insulin sensitivity by 17% after 10 weeks of consumption of sugar-based beverages. Decreased insulin sensitivity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by affecting the insulin level in the blood. According to United Nations (UN), annually, nearly 19 million people die due to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Senior researcher of the study, Professor Faadiel Essop of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, said “The increased prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders is strongly linked to greater urbanization and the adoption of detrimental lifestyle choices that include sedentary behavior, smoking and poor dietary preferences.” He further added, “For example, excess sugar consumption has surfaced as one of the most prominent global dietary changes during the past few decades and is considered a primary driver of cardiometabolic diseases onset.”

He showed his concern about the lack of public awareness about the ill-effects of soda. He commented, “The findings demonstrate there is a clear need for public education about the harmful effects of excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.”

Source: dailymail.co.uk