Indulging in the occasional sugary snack could potentially be more beneficial to health than avoiding them entirely.
Sugar's impact on your heart is a contentious topic, but one thing's for certain - not all sugars are created equal. A recent study suggests that the source of your sugar intake can make a significant difference in cardiovascular disease risk.
Is sugar the enemy? Not necessarily!
Six scientists from Lund University in Sweden sought to answer this question, studying the effects of different types of sugar on cardiovascular disease risk. They analyzed the diets of nearly 70,000 participants, focusing on three sources of sugar: toppings, treats, and sweetened beverages.
The study period ended in 2019, during which 25,739 participants were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The scientists then examined the relationship between these sugar sources and various cardiovascular diseases.
Sugar sources and heart health
The researchers found that sugar-sweetened beverages posed the greatest risk for heart disease, boosting the risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. On the flip side, consuming an occasional treat seemed to offer better outcomes than consuming no sugar at all.
"The benefits of the occasional sweet treat might reflect underlying dietary behaviors," explained Suzanne Janzi, lead author of the study. In other words, individuals who limit their sugar intake could already be following healthier diets due to existing health conditions.
Making smarter sugar choices
With the average American adult consuming 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, it's crucial to make smart choices. Start by avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda, and moving toward water or unsweetened options. Also, watch out for hidden sugars in unexpected places like condiments, protein bars, yogurt, and nut butters.
While the occasional sweet treat won't hurt, consider moderation as the key to a sweet life. Opt for whole fruits, dark chocolate, or homemade desserts that limit added sugars. And remember to read labels, choose products with lower sugar content, and be mindful of ingredients such as artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
The takeaway
The bottom line is that understanding the source of your sugar intake is crucial for managing heart health. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and limit your consumption of sugar-laden beverages, and you'll be one step closer to a healthier heart.
References:
Sugary drinks significantly raise cardiovascular disease risk, but occasional sweet treats don't, scientists find - Eureka AlertAdded sugar intake and its associations with incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women - Frontiers in Public HealthAn occasional treat could be better for your heart than no added sugar at all - Science Alert
Related:
- The truth about artificial sweeteners: Are they really bad for you?
- Avoiding artificial sweeteners: Tips for cutting back
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, not all sugars are detrimental to heart health, as a recent study suggests that the source of your sugar intake can significantly influence cardiovascular disease risk.
- The study, conducted by six scientists from Lund University in Sweden, revealed that while sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of various heart diseases, consuming an occasional treat might offer better health outcomes compared to consuming no sugar at all.
- To maintain a balanced lifestyle and promote better heart health, one must make wise decisions regarding food-and-drink choices, focusing on minimizing sugar-laden beverages like soft drinks and being conscious of hidden sugars in food items such as condiments, protein bars, yogurt, and nut butters.
