7 Reasons to Avoid Sugary Drinks
A new study shows a link between consumption of sweetened beverages and cancer, but this is far from the only reason to put the pedal to the metal on our cans of soda and other fruit juices! Here’s a quick overview.
They increase the risk of cancer
This is the most recent information: a team of researchers from Inserm has just shown that every 100mL increase in our consumption of sweetened beverages was associated with an 18% increase in the risk of cancer (in particular breast cancer). To reach these results, they followed more than 100,000 participants in the Nutrinet-Santé study (between 2009 and 2018) and assessed their usual consumption through 24-hour recordings (and not just through participant self-reporting). They also noted that the effects of consuming 100% pure fruit juice had the same deleterious effects as other sugary drinks.
They lead to “fatty liver”
Another Inserm study, revealed thanks to the Constance cohort, showed that sugary drinks were dangerous for the liver: people who consume more than one can of soda (33cl) have a higher risk of having a fatty liver, the first step towards NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). “NASH is an emerging liver disease associated with the epidemic of obesity and diabetes in the world, and likely to progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer,” says Inserm. About 2.6% of French people have advanced liver disease, and it is twice as common in men as in women.
They make you fat
Yes, we have the intuition but the fact is proven: there is a link between consumption of sweetened beverages and overweight and this in 96% of cases, according to the results of studies conducted on 240 000 people in several countries.
They increase the risk of diabetes
It seems obvious, but drinking these high-sugar beverages increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, by regularly, repeatedly and frequently increasing blood sugar levels.
They cause heart problems
In another study, the effect on the heart was studied: a daily consumption of two glasses of sweetened beverages, the equivalent of 400 ml (or more), is associated with a 23% increase in the risk of heart failure compared to those who do not drink soda or fruit juice containing added sugars
They damage the teeth
The contact of sugar with the teeth, through a long consumption, outside of meals, in small sips, is associated with a higher risk of dental sensitivity.
They increase the risk of kidney stones
It is more unexpected but yes, drinking one can of soda a day increases the risk of developing kidney stones by 25%.
