New cause for concern about sugar is alarming

Overview

If you are interested in maintaining a healthy diet, you have likely been advised to reduce your sugar intake. Sugar consumption can lead to various health issues, including weight gain, heart disease, blood sugar imbalances that may result in diabetes, liver disease, and an increased risk of cancer. Recent research from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals another concerning reason to limit sugar consumption.

The USDA study shows that when sugary drinks are consumed with protein-rich foods, such as a burger, it can significantly impact calorie absorption, fat creation, and increase cravings for salty snacks. This combination reduces the body's ability to burn fat efficiently, especially when consuming higher protein meals. The research also indicates that the urge to snack on savory foods can last up to four hours after the meal.

Additionally, switching to artificially sweetened drinks, like diet soda, may not be a beneficial choice for weight management. Studies suggest that these drinks do not aid in weight loss and may have negative effects on metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain, high blood pressure, and an elevated risk of diabetes.

For optimal health, it is recommended to choose beverages like water, tea, or coffee over sugary or artificially sweetened drinks.

Things Don’t Go Better With Sugary Drinks

The USDA researchers investigated the effects of consuming a protein-rich food alongside a sugary soft drink. The study revealed that this combination increases calorie absorption, fat production, and triggers cravings for salty snacks after the meal. The impact of sugary drinks on metabolism, especially when paired with high-protein meals, surprised the researchers and led to a prolonged desire for savory foods.

Ditch The Artificial Sweeteners

Research indicates that low-calorie, artificially flavored drinks do not contribute to weight loss. Studies suggest that these beverages can affect metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes. Opting for water, tea, or coffee is considered a healthier choice for overall well-being.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25398745
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26376619
  3. https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-2-5
  4. http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/54/7/1907.short
  5. http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/70/15/6368.short
  6. https://bmcnutr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40795-017-0170-2
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5207632/

Written by: Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.

Reviewed by: Susan Parker