We all live a sedentary lifestyle, which has changed the definition of healthy living. Diets contain more free sugar, which is equal to the sugar found in sodas and processed meals. New research in the journal BMC Medicine came to this conclusion. A recent study on the high-sugar diet in different US news websites is released. Further, the study revealed that the high sugar content of such a diet increases the risk of cardiovascular issues.
This study is based on the data derived from research on different people’s eating habits. A study was done on more than 110,000 people between the ages of 37 to 73. It revealed their health outcomes of over nine years. Based on the findings, every 5% increase in a person’s total energy intake comes from free sugar. It has a direct link to heart disease and stroke. Cody Watling, the author and a doctoral student at Oxford University, believes the claim that individuals ate more confectionary and preserved foods. Along with the food items like sugary pastries, cookies, and scones, the participants also consumed sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juices.
Many individuals believe that natural sugars present in fruits and vegetables are dangerous. The fact is that such a form of sugar is not even free sugar. Cody Watling and his team also derived data from a reputable health records database. The evaluations of the individuals’ diets helped to produce this data. Findings show that individuals consumed a lot of carbs. This particular carbohydrate contains free sugar.
Cody Watling’s analysis of free sugar
Cody Watling examined individual cardiovascular health incidences and discovered that they are at a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Their use of free sugar, which averaged 95 grams daily, put them at a very high risk.
Considering the study by Cody Watling, U.S. guidelines suggested some precautionary ways. It included switching to organic yet healthy food and controlling the regular calorie intake with added sugars that should not be above 10%. Sugar-sweetened beverages have a lot of free sugar and should be avoided.
Walter Willett’s input on the study
Epidemiology professor Walter Willett from Harvard University believes that such guidelines are the most important and must be adhered to. He wasn’t involved in the study, but he thought it was important to tackle a sedentary lifestyle.
The primary reason why US news websites are emphasizing free sugar control intake is to educate people on the benefits and drawbacks. The length of human life can be prolonged if the proper steps are done at the appropriate moment.