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.

• 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.

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