If you think soda is a better option than sweets like mithai, you might be shocked to learn that soda actually raises your risk of heart disease more than the latter. A recent study involving 70,000 adults in Sweden has revealed that regularly consuming sugary sodas is associated with a higher likelihood of developing conditions like stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and even aneurysms (bulging blood vessels). On the other hand, enjoying sweets on occasion showed a lower risk.
This study is particularly significant because it highlights the widespread consumption of soda, especially among the younger generation, including children. Drinking soda regularly from a young age not only creates an addictive pattern but also dulls your natural hunger signals, pushing you toward overeating. This habit can contribute to serious health issues like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease as you grow older.
What This Study Is All About?
In a study involving 70,000 adults in Sweden, participants filled out dietary questionnaires in 1997 and 2009, detailing their calorie intake from three main sources of added sugars: sugary drinks like sodas, sweet toppings such as honey or jam, and treats like pastries, candy, or ice cream. Over more than 20 years of follow-up, nearly 26,000 participants were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, as revealed in a study published in Frontiers in Public Health. The findings showed that those who consumed soda regularly had the highest risk of developing heart-related issues.
Why Are Soda Drinks Risky for Your Health?
The reason soda-based drinks are so risky is that they contain concentrated sugar. According to Dr. Balbir Singh, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Max Hospital, “While a sweet or dessert includes other food groups like carbohydrates, fats, and sometimes protein from dairy, its calories are more balanced. In contrast, soda is packed with ’empty calories,’ offering little nutritional value. A sweet treat also tends to have a higher satiety value, meaning it keeps you fuller for longer. People often consume soda alongside meals, which can lead to an overload of calories.
Consuming too much sugar can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which then require the body to release higher amounts of insulin to bring them back to normal. Dr. Singh explains, “The body handles added sugar differently, forcing the pancreas to work harder to produce more insulin. Elevated insulin levels can cause inflammation in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the empty calories in sugary drinks contribute to weight gain, which can lead to obesity. This, in turn, raises the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Drinking sugary beverages on a regular basis can overwhelm your body’s ability to process the excess calories. “This can lead to insulin resistance, where the body stops responding to the hormone that regulates sugar,” says Dr. Singh. As a result, the body stores more fat, causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels. On the other hand, having an occasional sweet treat doesn’t create the same addictive behavior or lead to constant calorie consumption. “If you’re not diabetic and can practice moderation with your sweet treats, your blood sugar levels won’t spike the way they do with soda,” he adds.
