Consuming one or two servings a day of sugarsweetened beverages has been linked to a 35 per cent greater risk of heart attack or fatal heart disease, a 16 per cent increased risk of stroke and as much as a 26 per cent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the report concluded.
In recent time, Nigerians, especially the youths who are largely known to crave for soft drinks and consume them excessively are concerned about the risk they pose to health. Among these groups are some Nigerians who consume two to three bottles of average 35 CL or 50 CL soft drinks daily. For now, the researchers urge consumers to reduce the amount of added sugar in their diet. Limiting or eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages is a solid first step, Malik said, noting many foods also contain added sugar.
Although, the dangers of excess sugar to health especially heart health has been well publicised, while some doubt, others who believe lack the will power to either reduce the consumption or stop consuming them altogether. With this new review however, experts are echoing information that was in the public domain even before the release of the review.
Commenting further on the new development, Malik said, “Reducing the consumption of these drinks, it’s not going to solve the heart disease epidemic, but it’s one step that can have a measurable impact; “It’s not the only thing that needs to be done, but it’s a very important thing.” The report, published September 28 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, is part of a new focus on excess sugar as a risk for heart disease, said Marina Chaparro, a clinical dietitian at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.
“Previously, everything focused on low fat, and reducing fat and cholesterol,” said Chaparro, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “The dietary guidelines that are about to come out really focus on added sugars, and not as much on cholesterol and total fat. Those are important, but the impact of sugar has become much more profound.” One can of regular soda contains about 35 grams of sugar, which is equal to nearly nine teaspoons. Manufacturers most often use either table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to sweeten beverages, researchers said.
