Study Finds Physical Activity Insufficient to Offset Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Sugary Drinks

March 18, 2024 TruthUSA

A recent study suggests that solely relying on physical activity may not adequately counter the heart risks associated with sugary drinks like sodas and fruit cocktails.

Researchers from Canada found that even meeting the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity may not completely offset the negative effects on cardiovascular health from consuming sugar-sweetened beverages.

Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier, an assistant professor from Université Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy in Québec, explained that while physical activity can reduce the risk of heart issues associated with sugary drinks by approximately 50 percent, it does not entirely eliminate the risk.

The study, which analyzed data from around 100,000 adults over three decades, revealed that individuals who consumed sugary beverages more than twice a week had an increased risk of heart disease, irrespective of their level of physical exercise.

Furthermore, the risk escalated for those who indulged in such drinks daily.

Mr. Drouin-Chartier noted that the sugary beverages examined in the study included sodas, lemonades, and fruit cocktails. Although energy drinks were not specifically investigated, they typically contain high sugar content.

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Artificially sweetened drinks did not demonstrate the same link to heart disease risk.

Mr. Drouin-Chartier recommended transitioning from sugary beverages to diet alternatives as a positive step to reduce sugar intake. Nevertheless, he stressed that water is still the healthiest choice.

Lead study author Lorena Pacheco, a research scientist from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasized that these results underscore the importance of limiting sugary beverage consumption and advocating for regular physical activity.

The study was recently released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, providing further support for public health campaigns aiming to discourage excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages while encouraging individuals to maintain a healthy level of physical activity.

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