There is an ideal daily sugar intake.
A recent study suggests that the type of sugar a person consumes can have different effects on heart health, with sugary drinks posing a significant risk while occasional sweet treats might not be as harmful. Sugary beverages, such as sodas, were found to increase the risk of conditions like stroke, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. However, foods like honey or the occasional sweet pastry appear to have a less damaging effect on heart health and may even provide some benefits when consumed in moderation.
The research, led by Suzanne Janzi from Lund University in Sweden, focused on three main sources of sugar: sugary drinks, sweet toppings like honey, and baked goods such as pastries. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people who participated in long-term health studies, and the findings were based on diet questionnaires filled out by participants. Over the study’s follow-up period, around 26,000 individuals were diagnosed with heart problems, and researchers found that sugary drinks had the most adverse impact on heart health.
One reason sugary beverages are more harmful is that liquid sugars are less filling compared to solid forms of sugar, which can lead to overeating. Additionally, sugary drinks are often consumed more frequently than treats like pastries, which are typically eaten during social occasions. This suggests that the frequency and context of sugar consumption play an important role in its effects on cardiovascular health.
Interestingly, the study also found that eating an occasional sweet treat was linked to better heart health outcomes compared to those who consumed little or no sugar. This might be because people who avoid sugar entirely may be following restrictive diets due to health concerns, which could lead to other negative health impacts. While the study cannot prove causation, it suggests that excessively limiting sugar intake may not be necessary for heart health.
The researchers emphasized that further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of different sugar sources on heart health, especially in populations with different dietary habits. The study’s findings were based on a Swedish cohort, where cultural practices like “fika” — a tradition of coffee and pastries — are common, so the results may not be directly applicable to other countries with different eating customs.
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