Sugary drinks, long enjoyed by many, may be contributing to a growing health crisis with serious consequences. According to a new study published in Nature Medicine, sugary beverages, such as sodas and sweetened teas, may be responsible for over 330,000 annual deaths due to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, called this issue “a public health crisis, requiring urgent action.”
The study examined global data on sugar-sweetened beverages and their link to the prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers used this information to estimate the impact of sugary drinks on mortality, particularly in regions like Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa, which showed alarming rates of heart disease and type 2 diabetes connected to sugar consumption.
Dr. Mozaffarian emphasized the importance of addressing this growing issue, stating, “It’s time to pay attention to, and take priority actions to deal with, this tragic preventable suffering.”
The Harmful Impact of Liquid Sugar
Why are sugary drinks so harmful? The study’s findings suggest that liquid sugar has a faster, more intense effect on the body than sugar from solid foods. This is due to the rapid absorption of sugars in liquid form, which enter the bloodstream quickly, leading to a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. Unlike solid foods, which contain fiber, fats, and proteins that slow digestion, sugary drinks lack these stabilizing elements, contributing to a rapid sugar spike and increased risk for long-term health issues.
Suzanne Janzi, a doctoral student in nutritional epidemiology at Lund University in Sweden, explained why liquid sugar is so problematic: “Liquid sugars are absorbed more rapidly in the digestive system since they do not require the same breakdown processes as solid foods,” she said. “Solid sugars are often part of foods that contain other nutrients like fiber, proteins, and fats.”
In addition to causing blood sugar spikes, sugary drinks also provide “empty calories”—calories without any nutritional benefits. These drinks may lead to overeating, as they don’t fill you up like solid food can, which can lead to consuming excess calories over time.
The Affected Demographics
The study also shed light on the demographics most affected by sugary drinks. Younger male adults with higher levels of education in urban areas are particularly at risk, according to Toby Smithson, a registered dietitian nutritionist and senior manager at the American Diabetes Association.
For Catholics concerned about their health and wellbeing, it’s essential to consider not only the physical impacts of sugary drinks but also the spiritual importance of maintaining a healthy body. As the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are called to care for it and make mindful choices about what we consume. Avoiding sugary drinks can be one way to honor this responsibility.
Alternative Sweeteners: A Temporary Solution
Some may wonder whether using drinks sweetened with low-calorie alternatives could be a solution. While these drinks might seem like a healthier choice, Dr. Mozaffarian cautioned that even artificial sweeteners might not be the answer. “Growing research shows that both natural and artificial low-calorie sweeteners are not innocuous and may cause health harms, so these should be considered a short-term, less harmful alternative, not a long-term solution,” he said.
Instead, both Dr. Mozaffarian and Smithson recommend opting for drinks without added sugars. Unsweetened beverages like seltzer, tea, and coffee, or simply water, are far healthier choices. “The best hydrating beverage is water,” Smithson advised. “If a person doesn’t like plain water, they can jazz up their beverage by drinking infused water with slices of lemon, lime, or fresh herbs, or using sparkling waters that contain no added sugar.”
A Call to Action
The findings from this study should serve as a wake-up call to all of us. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our bodies, which includes making wise decisions about the foods and drinks we consume. Rather than turning to sugary beverages, we can choose healthier, more nourishing options that support both our physical health and our spiritual wellbeing.
This issue is more than just a matter of personal health—it is a global public health crisis that demands urgent attention and action. By making informed, mindful choices, we can contribute to improving our own health and supporting the health of others, as we care for the bodies God has entrusted to us.
