Half the U.S. population drinks a sugary beverage on any given day of the week. The drink could be a soda, juice, or added sugar to your tea and coffee. Researchers found that those who consumed more than seven servings each week were over 2.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
The conclusions countered another study published earlier. Both studies are observational, meaning that they show associations between risk factors and diseases and not the actual causes of the disease. The bottom line, however, is clear. Sugar-laden drinks do not improve healthy lifestyles.
Two risk factors for Alzheimer’s are type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, which are by-products of overconsumption of sugary beverages. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity are all associated with too much sugar in your diet. The more you can reduce your sugar intake, the more likely you’ll help your heart, body, and mind. Cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages can be your first step towards a healthy lifestyle. Who can resist iced tea with nothing but mint leaves on a hot summer day?
Follow this LINK to read an article about the details of the Framingham Study that drew the conclusions recently published.