Study: Just Two Sodas a Week Increases Risk of Heart Disease

How much soda do you consume in a typical week? Soda consumption in the United States has declined by roughly 20% from its peak in the 1990s. However, millions of Americans still consume these fizzy drinks on a regular basis. And according to a new study, drinking just two sodas a week increases the risk of heart disease and other forms of chronic illness.

Researchers from Stellenbosch University in South Africa found a correlation between the consumption of sugary drinks and obesity, as well as an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Based on this information, researchers say that drinking just two artificially sweetened beverages or soda a week can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

For the study, Professor Faadiel Essop and his team of colleagues analyzed 36 existing studies involving the health effects of soda. While findings between these studies varied, most indicating a direct connection between the consumption of sugary drinks and metabolic syndrome. Basically, men and women who consumed at least two sodas a week were more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than their counterparts who either refrained from drinking soda or drank fewer than two sodas a week. This led researchers to conclude that drinking just two sodas a week can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

“Our analysis revealed that most epidemiological studies strongly show that frequent intake of these beverages contributes to the onset of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension," said lead study researcher and author Professor Essop.

So, what does this mean for the millions of people who drink sodas on a regular basis? Well, it means they could be exposing themselves to several serious health conditions. Some people assume that soda is only bad for your health when you drink it daily. As revealed in this study, however, consuming just two sodas a week can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

Also, don't assume that diet soda is any better than regular soda. While diet soda is typically calorie-free, they contain artificial sweeteners that mimic the characteristics of real sugar. As such, your body treats the artificial sweetener the same as it does sugar, meaning it can cause similar health complications. The bottom line is that you should cut back or eliminate soda from your regular diet, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened.