Study Links Sugary Drinks to Higher Cardiovascular Risks, Suggests Moderate Sugar Intake May Be Optimal

Research involving nearly 70,000 participants finds sugar-sweetened beverages increase heart disease risks, while occasional treats may have unexpected benefits.

A Swedish study spanning over 20 years found that sugar-sweetened beverages significantly elevate risks of ischemic stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Moderate sugar intake, accounting for 5-7.5% of daily calories, was associated with lower cardiovascular risks compared to very low sugar consumption.
Occasional consumption of sweet treats, such as pastries or chocolate, might provide protective effects, potentially linked to social and cultural factors like Sweden's 'fika' tradition.
Overweight individuals experienced heightened risks of stroke and aortic aneurysm with increased sugar intake, while normal-weight individuals primarily faced increased heart failure risk.
Experts recommend limiting added sugar to less than 10% of daily calories, emphasizing the importance of sugar sources and portion control in maintaining heart health.