Soda might be refreshing, but when it comes to your health, how much is too much? You'd be surprised.
While soda consumption in the U.S. has taken a dip in the last 15 years,
soda is still very much part of the American diet (if you can even call
it that). Either you or someone you know can’t resist reaching for the
sugary drink come lunch time. Still, it’s
no secret that soda isn’t exactly the healthiest beverage, but how much
is too much? Indulging in the occasional liter of cola can’t hurt,
right? Well, according to a review of 36 different studies, it doesn’t
take a lot of soda to do you a lot of harm—especially when it comes to diabetes. (Don’t miss the 10 reasons to avoid all soda, including diet.)
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The research was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society and
was completed by a group of researchers from South Africa. The review
noted that consuming a sizable number of sugary drinks, five or more,
ups your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic
illnesses, which, sure, makes sense. But even when the consumption was
lowered considerably, the results were a bit unsettling.
Just two cups of soda each week can increase one’s risk of type 2 diabetes by 29 percent, according to one of the studies reviewed. Keep
in mind, a standard can of soda is 12 ounces or 1.5 cups. This study
analyzed data from 43,580 participants aged 45-74 years of age. All
participants were free of diabetes and other chronic illness at the
beginning of the study.
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Even for the most moderate soda
slugger, the risk is very real. So if you’re looking to ward off type 2
diabetes, it’s probably best to keep that soda consumption to a minimum
and probably avoid these 7 habits while you’re at it.
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