A three-decade-long study by Canadian scientists on 100.000 healthy people discovered how carbonated water can have adverse health effects.
Efforts to practice "go down the drain" because the water has gas
The participants were divided into two groups.
Half drank sugary drinks, defined as “carbonated and sweetened drinks (with or without caffeine), lemonade and fruit cocktails” more than twice a week.
The remaining group limits, or only “rarely” treats themselves to a can.
The aim of the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was to find out whether physical activity can eliminate the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who regularly drink soft drinks and water with water. gas or not.
Sadly, the results show that exercise cannot compensate for the harmful effects caused by soft drinks.
Experts found that people who drink sugary drinks more than twice a week have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of their physical activity level.
Even those who achieved the average weekly exercise target of 150 minutes as recommended by Laval University did not reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease if they drank soft drinks.
According to the NHS, cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, which can include stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral artery disease. Many people think that two cans of carbonated drinks are just a small amount, but in fact they can still wreak havoc on your health.
Soft drinks are more addictive than alcohol
Scientists tested the physical activity of 100.000 participants every two years. Besides, every four years, they also have their overall health assessed.
Professor Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier, of Laval University's pharmacy department, said: "Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with carbonated drinks by half, but does not eliminate it completely.
Marketing strategies often present images of active people consuming these drinks, indirectly stating that drinking soft drinks does not cause negative health effects if you are physically active. Meanwhile, diet drinks are safer because the amount of sugar is reduced. However, the best choice is still filtered water.
Lorena Pacheco, lead author and research scientist, emphasized that the findings will contribute to public health recommendations and policies, limiting people's intake of carbonated beverages, as well as encouraging people to respond. meet and maintain adequate levels of physical activity.
Previously, many studies also showed the harmful effects of carbonated drinks, including causing hair loss, infertility and affecting emotions.
In October 10, Gaye Godkin, an Irish nutritionist, warned that carbonated soft drinks are more difficult to quit than alcohol, because they contain high levels of sugar and caffeine - two addictive factors.
