Is it true that drinking sugar often shortens life? Here's the explanation according to experts

Is it true that drinking sugar often shortens life? (Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA - The habit of consuming sugary drinks not only has an impact on weight, but can also affect a person's life expectancy. A recent study concluded that beverages with sugar sweeteners or sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are associated with an increased risk of death from chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Explanation about this will answer the question, is it true that drinking often is sweet to shorten life.

Experts explain that excessive consumption of the drink can trigger various metabolic disorders that have long-term effects on health.

Consumption of sugary drinks close to the risk of premature death

The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, explains that the consumption of sugary drinks has a major contribution to the increase in chronic disease cases in the world.

In the study, researchers estimated that millions of cases of type 2 diabetes and heart disease each year are associated with the consumption of beverages containing sugar substitutes.

Preventive heart specialist, Adedapo Iluyomade, MD revealed that these drinks include various types, including soda, fruit-flavored drinks, energy drinks, to traditional drinks with added sugar.

"Sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease through various direct and indirect mechanisms," he said as quoted from the Prevention website.

The effects of sugar spikes in the body

One of the main reasons for sugary drinks is harmful is its effect on blood sugar levels.

According to Iluyomade, sugar in liquid form is absorbed by the body very quickly, so that there is a spike in glucose and insulin in a short time.

"Rapid sugar absorption causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin, which promotes the accumulation of visceral fat and insulin resistance," he said.

This condition makes the body easier to store fat, especially in the abdominal area, as well as increasing the risk of diabetes.

Over time, these conditions can also trigger high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and high cholesterol, all of which are major risk factors for heart disease.

Excessive consumption replaces healthier intake

In addition to the direct impact, sugary drinks also have an indirect effect on health. According to nutritionist Melissa Mroz-Planells, D.C.N., R.D.N., consumption of high-sugar drinks often replaces healthier choices.

"All types of added sugars in food or beverages should be limited," Mroz-Planells advised.

When you consume sugary drinks too often, you tend to reduce your intake of water or other nutritious beverages. In the end, this can worsen the overall quality of your diet and increase your risk of chronic disease.

Limit consumption to maintain long-term health

Experts also advise against consuming sugar-sweetened beverages every day.

"For most people, it's best to have less than one serving per week, especially if it's balanced with a healthy diet," he explained.

Meanwhile, Mroz-Planells suggested starting to reduce consumption gradually, for example by replacing sugary drinks with water or sugar-free soda water that has been combined with fresh fruit.

This step is considered effective in helping the body to adapt and reduce addiction to sweetness.

Awareness of healthy lifestyle as the main step

Although the study is observational and has not fully proven a direct causal relationship, the findings strengthen evidence that lifestyle has a major role in health.

Simple habits such as consuming healthier beverages can have a big impact in the long run. By reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and replacing them with healthier beverage options, the risk of chronic diseases can also be reduced.

So, is it true that drinking sugar often shortens life according to research. Hopefully useful. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.