Sugary Beverages Pose Significant Risks to Cardiovascular and Overall Health

Authors

  • Antonis S Manolis Third Department of Cardiology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
  • Theodora A Manolis Red Cross Hospital, Athens

Keywords:

sugary beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, sodas, colas, added sugars, cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Consumption of added sugar is associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome, but most importantly with cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the form of soft drinks or sodas constitute a major source of added sugar with its attendant ill effects on health. Of particular concern is the rising consumption of soft drinks among young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the reduction of free sugars to <10% of total energy intake due to their potential implications in dental caries, weight gain and CVD consequences, however, adherence to this recommendation is generally very low. Non-caloric drinks in the form of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) (diet sodas) are popular as alternatives to SSBs. However, these sweeteners may also have various negative, albeit at a lesser degree, health outcomes, including weight gain, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and CV events. Finally, substantially lower health risks are incurred from 100% fruit juice consumption compared with SSBs. All these issues are herein reviewed and measures are discussed to lessen the consequences of such an unhealthy dietary behavior. Rhythmos 2019;14(3):45-50.

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Published

2019-07-20

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Section

Editorial