A new study conducted by researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in collaboration with Hamilton’s McMaster University, has raised serious questions about the beverages people consume and the potential risks associated with them.
The five-year research, which involved over 13,500 participants across 27 countries, focused on individuals who had experienced a stroke. Researchers aimed to investigate whether their beverage choices were linked to their increased risk of stroke.
Dr Andrew Smyth, a physician at Galway University Hospitals and professor of clinical epidemiology, led the research team.
According to Smyth, the study analysed a broad range of drinks.
“We looked at fizzy drinks, fruit drinks, water, and various kinds of tea, including black and green tea,” CTV News reported.
The findings were startling. The study revealed that consuming fizzy drinks - whether sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners - was linked to a 22% greater risk of stroke. Even more concerning, drinking fruit juices, often perceived as a "healthier" option, was associated with a 37% higher stroke risk.
The harmful elements in drinks
Smyth explained that the increased risk largely stemmed from the harmful elements present in many of these drinks.
“If you walk into the grocery store, you’ll see some 100% freshly squeezed fruit juice, but you’ll also see a lot of fruit drinks made from concentrates that contain additives, sugars, and extra ingredients,” said Smyth.
These added sugars and artificial components could be contributing factors to the higher stroke risk observed in the study.
Interestingly, not all beverages posed the same level of risk. Previous research has shown that consuming more than four cups of coffee a day could also elevate the risk of stroke.
However, in contrast, certain types of tea appeared to have protective benefits.
“We found that drinking three to four cups of black tea or green tea each day reduced the likelihood of stroke by about a third,” added Smyth.
“What was particularly interesting was that this benefit wasn’t seen in people who added milk to their tea.”
The study also highlighted the importance of staying hydrated with plain water. Smyth noted that drinking seven glasses of water a day could help reduce stroke risk.
Scepticism around findings
Despite the eye-opening results, not all medical professionals were entirely convinced by the study’s conclusions.
Dr Christopher Labos, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, expressed scepticism about the accuracy of the research findings, particularly when it came to self-reported data.
“When you’re asking people to average out their food and drink consumption over the years, I’m not convinced that this type of approach amounts to much more than a rough guess,” said Labos.
He did, however, agree that excessive caffeine intake, particularly through energy drinks, is a growing concern, especially for younger people.
“If a young person drinks a monster energy drink, and then has a second one, the combination of high caffeine levels in a smaller body could pose serious health risks,” Labos explained.
He suggested that regulators might need to consider limiting serving sizes for such drinks.
Healthier alternatives to fizzy drinks
Given the potential risks associated with fizzy drinks and sugary beverages, it’s worth considering healthier options that can help reduce the likelihood of stroke and other health concerns.
Here are some alternatives that can keep you hydrated and satisfied without compromising your health:
Water: It’s the simplest and healthiest option. Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain hydration and supports overall health. Adding a slice of lemon or cucumber can give it a refreshing twist.
Herbal teas: Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, or ginger, are caffeine-free and can provide a soothing, flavorful alternative to sugary drinks. They also come with their own health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing stress.
Infused water: If plain water feels too bland, try infusing it with fruits, herbs, or vegetables. Popular combinations include strawberry and basil or lime and mint. This adds natural flavour without any added sugar.
Coconut water: Naturally rich in electrolytes, coconut water is a great option for those looking for a hydrating, low-sugar alternative to sports drinks. Make sure to choose varieties without added sugars.
Sparkling water: If you enjoy the fizz of soda but want to avoid the sugar, sparkling water is a great alternative. Many brands offer flavoured sparkling water with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Diluted fruit juice: If you love fruit juice but want to reduce your sugar intake, try diluting it with water. This can still give you a sweet flavour while cutting down on the sugar content.
Unsweetened iced tea: Swapping sugary iced tea for an unsweetened version is a simple way to reduce your sugar intake. You can add a natural sweetener like honey or a squeeze of lemon if you need a little extra flavour.