No point exercising if consuming even 2 cans of soda a week

No point exercising if consuming even 2 cans of soda a week

Canadian scientists have to offer a crucial message in a world where making health-conscious decisions and exercising frequently go hand in hand: drinking soda may be undermining your efforts to maintain a healthy heart. Researchers from Laval University in Quebec City have shown in a publication in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition just how much of a negative effect two cans of soda per week can have on the health benefits of exercise. Here is all you need to know about the study and its outcome.

No point exercising if consuming even 2 cans of soda a week

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Soda’s surprising setback: Nullifying exercise gains

It turns out that your post-workout soda might be undoing more than just your thirst. According to pharmacologists at Laval University, indulging in 355ml of soda pop per week can effectively erase the hearthealth gains achieved through regular exercise. This revelation comes after a meticulous analysis of health data spanning three decades, involving over 100,000 adults. Despite meeting the recommended exercise quota of 150 minutes weekly, individuals who indulge in sugary beverages face this reality: their efforts may not be enough to counteract the negative impact of soda on cardiovascular health.

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Active lifestyles and soda consumption

One might assume that staying physically active provides a shield against the harmful effects of soda. While exercise does reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with sugar-sweetened beverages, it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. The marketing imagery often depicts active individuals enjoying sodas, creating a false perception that sugary drinks poses no threat to health if one leads an active lifestyle. This misconception, the researchers emphasize, could not be further from the truth.

Advocating for health: Encouraging better choices

In light of these findings, the call to action for healthier choices becomes louder. Lead study author Lorena Pacheco stresses the importance of limiting intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and maintaining adequate physical activity levels. Public health recommendations and policies aimed at curbing soda consumption gain further support from this research. While artificially sweetened drinks offer a less detrimental alternative, the resounding message remains clear: water reigns supreme as the best beverage choice for safeguarding heart health.

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