So-called “light” sodas are often considered to be healthier alternatives to sugary sodas. Wrongly, since according to a study by the American Heart Association and published in the journal Stroke this February 14, consumption of low-calorie drinks is associated with an increased risk ofstroke (Stroke) or heart attack. However, research was only carried out with postmenopausal women, and cannot be generalized.
A call for caution
The data relating to the health of more than 82,000 women aged 50 to 79 and postmenopausal, participating in a long-term study were thus analyzed. Of these, 5.1% reported consuming at least one diet soda per day. They presented a probability “Significantly larger” suffer from stroke or coronary heart disease. But those who drank it at least two daily were 23% more likely to have it, to have ischemic stroke (31%), to have heart disease (29%) and to die from any cause (16%) than the other respondents.
The study also showed that overweight women were particularly at risk, even if they did not have a history of heart disease. “Many well-meaning people, especially overweight or obese people, drink low calorie sugary drinks to reduce calories in their diet.”, develops Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, lead author of the report. ” Our research and other observational studies have shown that artificially sweetened beverages may not be harmless and that high consumption is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart disease ”, he sums up.
The American Heart Association recently published a scientific opinion concluding that research does not provide enough evidence to distinguish the effects of low-calorie sweeteners on heart and brain health. “This study adds to the evidence that limit your intake of diet drinks is the safest thing to do for your health ”, however, say the researchers. The association also recognizes that diet sodas can help replace sugary, high-calorie drinks, but recommends plain, flavored or carbonated but unsweetened water as a better alternative.
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