Sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages are frequent targets in the war on obesity as their consumption often leads to increases in caloric intake and weight gain. Now it appears that even when the consumption of sweetened drinks does not result in weight gain, they may still be detrimental to heart health.
For the study, researchers at the University of Oklahoma assessed the drinking habits of nearly 4,200 women aged 45 to 84 from various ethnic groups via questionnaires. The researchers measured weight gain, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, triglycerides and glucose (blood sugar) during three follow-up exams conducted over a five-year span.
Researchers found that compared to women who drank one or less sugar-sweetened beverage, those who drank two or more sugary beverages a day were four times as likely to have high levels of unhealthy blood fats called triglycerides and elevated fasting blood sugar levels (known as "prediabetes'). What's more, among women of similar weight, those who drank two or more sweetened drinks had more belly fat than those who drank one or less each day. Unfortunately, belly fat has been found to be the fat that is most detrimental to health.
What to do: Aim to avoid consumption of sweetened drinks including soda, sweet ice tea, and juice. These are high in calories and tend not to be filling. Opt for water, seltzer, and tea instead.
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