A recent medical study revealed that individuals who drink two liters per week of natural sugar-sweetened or calorie-free drinks (diet drinks) Those that contain artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose, Aspartame, Saccharin, or Acesulfame face a 20 percent increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, which may lead to irregular heartbeats and the possibility of strokes. This is compared to individuals who did not consume any sweetened beverage.
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Meanwhile, the study published in the Scientific Journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology revealed that drinking a liter of natural fruit juice or pure vegetable juice, such as pure unsweetened orange juice, once a week, Reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation by 8 percent.
The researchers reviewed health data on more than 200,000 adults without atrial fibrillation at the time of registration in the UK Biobank, between 2006 and 2010. During a follow-up period of approximately 10 years.
Atrial fibrillation is considered a life-threatening condition for many people. It is a rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clots. It is expected that more than 12 million people will develop atrial fibrillation by 2030. According to the American Heart Association‘s 2024 heart disease and stroke statistics.
Sweetened Drinks and “Diet Sugar” and “Diet Cola” are Just Tricks
The researchers conducting the study indicated that their findings cannot conclusively conclude that one sweetened beverage poses more health risks than another; Given the complex nature of the diet, but in general, artificially-sweetened drinks, whether by adding sugar or sugar substitutes, are not healthy at all. On the contrary, they may cause health problems if you get used to consuming them constantly.
Researchers recommend limiting the consumption of artificially sweetened or sugar-sweetened beverages, or better, avoiding them completely if possible, and replacing them with water immediately.
Tea and Coffee are Excluded
The researchers explained that when they monitored data from respondents, taking all types of sweetened beverages into account, they did not include milk, tea, and coffee within the category of sweetened beverages in the study, because these beverages are often evaluated independently due to their specific nutritional value.
High Risk Index Among Smokers
The study confirmed that smokers who are accustomed to drinking artificially sweetened or sugar-sweetened beverages are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and their condition is likely to deteriorate rapidly. While no significant increase in risk was observed for former smokers or people who had never smoked.
The researchers reported that the study still needs more research and evidence related to the negative health consequences of artificial sweeteners and a full understanding of all the health effects that lead to heart disease and other health conditions.
Source: Heart.org
