Article: In an ambitious endeavor to understand the far-reaching effects of sugary beverages on individual health, researchers from the University of Cambridge set out to explore the correlation between their consumption and the risk of death. This detailed observational analysis, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, prompts serious questions about the widespread intake of these sugary drinks and encourages the public to consider healthier alternatives.
The study, titled “Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Large Prospective Cohort Study,” drew from a large base of 100,576 US adults between the ages of 30 and 85, who provided self-reported beverage intake information between the years 1991 and 1993. Participants were followed up until December 31, 2016, with periodic health updates through the National Death Index.
The results demonstrated that a higher consumption of sugary beverages was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, the link was made even clearer with cause-specific mortality. Those who favored sugar-sweetened sodas over healthier alternatives saw their risks elevated for deaths related to heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
The study reinforces the conversation surrounding the importance of correctly modifying one’s diet to succeed in improving overall public health. While change is not out of reach, the transition towards healthier beverage choices can be gradual, making it easier to accommodate. By stepping away from common, sugary beverage options, individuals can explore a myriad of beneficial alternatives echoing vibrant colors and natural flavors.
