Summarised by Centrist
A new study from Swedish and Danish researchers reveals that sugar-sweetened beverages pose a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases compared to sugar in baked goods or other treats.
Published in Frontiers in Public Health, the research tracked over 67,000 Swedish participants between 1997 and 2009, using national health data through 2019.
The study linked sugary drinks, such as sodas, to a higher risk of heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Co-author Suzanne Janzi from Lund University explained that liquid sugars tend to provide less satiety than solid sugars, increasing the likelihood of overconsumption. “Treats are often enjoyed socially or on special occasions, while sweetened beverages might be consumed more regularly,” she noted.
Notably, moderate consumption of sweet treats appeared less harmful than no consumption at all, though the researchers said further study is needed to understand why. The findings may be influenced by Swedish cultural habits like fika—regular breaks involving coffee and pastries—suggesting that results may not translate directly to other populations.
The study aligns with previous research, including a Harvard University paper linking daily sugary drink consumption to an 18% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Another study in March showed a 10% increased risk of atrial fibrillation for those consuming two litres of sugary drinks weekly, with artificial sweeteners raising risks even further.
