Here is a shocking statement, “Men
who drink sugary beverages have a 20% higher risk of heart disease and
increased levels of harmful blood lipids”. A study done by the Harvard School of Public Health showed
that men who drank a 12 oz can of sugar sweetened beverage had a 20% higher
risk for heart disease than men who didn’t consume any. That’s just one can! How many do you
drink a day? There were 42,883 men who participated in the study. Even when other risk factors were
controlled, including smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol and family history
of heart disease, results still persisted at 20% increased risk. These men also had higher triglyceride
and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol. Artificially sweetened beverages did
not link to the higher risk or increased lipid levels. Thinking of trying to be healthier?
This may be your first step, and it’s a good one.
Estelle L. Benoit, RD, LDN
Source: IDEA Fitness Journal