A Simple Way to Lower Added Sugar

Soda Warning Labels

Computational simulation modeling has demonstrated in Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco, that warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) encouraged a significant drop in obesity prevalence following the adoption of the policies. This should give encouragement to other jurisdictions that are considering similar measures. PositiveTip: Don't wait for regulations: just refuse to purchase or drink SSBs and you will…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Americans’ Still in Love with SSBs

The National Center for Health Statistics released consumption data (2011-2014) showing almost one-half of U.S. adults drink at least one sugar-sweetened beverage every day. Young adults have the highest average intake compared to older adults. Learn more and view the startling statistics by clicking on this link. PositiveTip: The healthiest drink for most people is…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Dietary Patterns

Swedish researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 25,000 adults without diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer. They found those consuming the most sugar-sweetened beverages also consumed significantly fewer healthy foods. High consumption of coffee was also associated with higher intakes of high-fat foods and lower intakes of breakfast cereals. These results were adjusted for potential confounding factors…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Sugar’s Links with Mortality

Processed sugars are associated with (but don’t necessarily cause) increased rates of heart disease. New research on 12,000 people over 15 years found that there was a 29% increased risk of death by cardiovascular disease for people who drank at least seven servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per week compared to those who drank no more…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Sugary Beverages and Preschoolers

Preschoolers who drink one or more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were found to be at higher risk for obesity. At ages 2, 4, and 5 years old, the youngsters who drank one or more SSB every day tended to have obese or overweight mothers compared to those who drank less than one serving per day. The 4 and…

Read MoreLong right arrow

A Sour Side of Sugary Beverages

Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with almost 80% higher risk of type 1 estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer compared to those who consumed none. This was independent of body mass index, physical activity, diabetes and cigarette smoking. These significant findings came from analysis of 23,039 postmenopausal participants in the Iowa Women's Health Study. PositiveTip: Remember,…

Read MoreLong right arrow

A Bitter Side of Sugary Drinks

New Zealand researchers found high consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks increased the risk for gout. Even carriers of the genetically protective allele (SLC2A9) experienced significantly increased gout risk. Four sugar sweetened sodas a day increased the risk of gout in those of Caucasian ancestry almost 7 fold. When all groups were combined, each sugary drink consumed per…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Restriction of Sweetened Drinks Leads to Weight Loss

A randomized trial conducted in Boston has found that obese adolescents lost weight when they drank water or non-caloric beverages instead of sugary drinks or 100% fruit juice. The non-caloric beverages were delivered to the kids homes for one year. Two year differences were negilible, suggesting that many returned to sugary drinks.PositiveTip: Calories from sugar-laden…

Read MoreLong right arrow

Cut the Sugary Drinks to Cut the Weight

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with being overweight, as they tend not to give a feeling of satiety. In an 18-month randomized trial of children 5-12 years old, Dutch researchers have found that substituting sugar-free drinks for sugary drinks led to significantly smaller weight gains. They noted that U.S. children consume almost…

Read MoreLong right arrow