Doctor names drinks that harm heart and lead to diabetes
Sugary carbonated drinks can harm the body, potentially triggering heart disease and diabetes. A doctor has named healthier alternatives that should be preferred, reports The Mirror website.
What is important to know
Dietitian and doctor Tim Spector explained that consuming carbonated drinks can seriously affect the body, as ultra-processed drinks are linked to mental health issues.
"All the studies around the world show that people who consume large amounts of these sodas are going to get more heart disease, more diabetes, more obesity, and also interestingly more mental health problems," he said.
While some soda brands in supermarkets claim high nutritional benefits, the expert warned that these so-called advantages are compromised by one particularly harmful ingredient.
It doesn't matter if the drink contains high levels of protein or added vitamin C; they still have high levels of artificial sweeteners that harm the body.
Dr. Tim emphasized the importance of taking care of the gut microbiome, highlighting its role in overall health.
"Bacteria are the most common type. But there are also viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which are small organisms made up of single cells. Together these make the gut microbiota, the collection of all the organisms that live in the gut," the expert noted.
What to replace soda with
Coffee
Black coffee without cream and sugar is an excellent alternative to sugary sodas. Adults can drink approximately four to five cups per day.
Coffee reduces the risk of cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems. Additionally, it enhances focus and increases productivity.
Water
The best alternative is plain water. You can also make fruit-infused water by adding a slice of lemon or lime, mint, or basil to the bottle.
Tea
Unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing and healthy alternative to carbonated drinks.
In winter, you may prefer hot tea, which comes in many varieties, including green, mint, and chamomile.
Kombucha
Fermented tea is a favorite among health-conscious individuals. Kombucha is rich in gut-friendly probiotics, improves digestion, and strengthens the immune system.
It’s important to check the ingredients before buying any product to ensure it doesn't contain added sugar.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.