More and more research is coming out about the negative health effects of drinking soda, regardless of whether it is diet or regular soda. Harvard researchers have revealed that consuming even just a single soda a day can increase the chances of having a heart attack by 20 percent.
Soda and Heart Attacks
Regular consumption of soda has been linked to increased rates of heart attacks for both men and women. In the Harvard study, more than 40,000 men were followed for 22 years. Men who regularly drank soda faced increased rates of heart attacks, both fatal and non-fatal. Men who eliminated or decreased their consumption of sugary drinks lowered their blood pressure.
In a similar study of women, the Nurses’ Health Study, it was found that drinking sugary sodas was a contributing factor in the development of heart disease. Since heart attacks in women often have atypical symptoms, many women do not even realize they have had a heart attack. Consuming high sugar soda can add to the health risks for women.
Even drinking diet soda can increase your risk for having a heart attack. In a study of 2,600 adults, it was found that individuals who drank diet soda on a regular basis increased their risk of having a heart attack or stroke by 40 percent.
Drinking soda is definitely not heart-healthy. Instead of reaching for that soda, try drinking spring water or a refreshing glass of carbonated water. Your heart will thank you.
– The Alternative Daily
