A new study suggests that frequent consumption of sugary drinks, including fizzy drinks and fruit juices, may be linked to a higher risk of strokes. The research, co-led by the University of Galway and involving researchers from McMaster University Canada and an international network, found that drinking more than two to three sugary drinks per day can significantly increase the risk of stroke.
The study also found that drinking more than four cups of coffee per day can increase the risk of stroke. However, the findings indicate that sparkling water is not a concern, as the study specifically refers to sugary drinks. Experts warn that the problem with sugar substitutes is that they can create a societal craving for sugary things, which is not a good thing.
The research cautions against consuming fruit juice, as many products marketed as “fruit juice” are made from concentrates and contain added sugars and preservatives, which may offset the benefits usually linked with fresh fruit. Drinking tea, on the other hand, was found to be associated with a reduced chance of stroke, with three to four cups of black or green tea per day linked to a lower risk. However, adding milk to tea may reduce or block the beneficial effects of the antioxidants found in tea.
