Excessive sugar intake linked with unhealthy fat deposits

Date:
June 29, 2020
Source:
European Society of Cardiology
Summary:
Sugar consumption is linked with larger fat deposits around the
heart and in the abdomen, which are risky for health.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Sugar consumption is linked with larger fat deposits around the heart
and in the abdomen, which are risky for health. That's the finding of a
study published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology,
a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).


========================================================================== "When we consume too much sugar the excess is converted to fat and
stored," said study author Ms. So Yun Yi, a PhD student at the University
of Minnesota School of Public Health. "This fat tissue located around
the heart and in the abdomen releases chemicals into the body which can
be harmful to health. Our results support limiting added sugar intake."
Excess sugar consumption is a worldwide problem. The six countries
with the highest sales of sugary drinks per capita are Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, the US, and Saudi Arabia. The demand for sugar is
expected to increase in Asia, Africa, and Russia.

This observational study examined both sugar-sweetened beverages (such
as soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks) and sugar added to foods
and beverages for sweetness (for example when cooking or in processed
foods). The researchers analysed the association between long-term sugar consumption and fat stores around the heart and other organs.

Data were obtained from Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA), an ongoing cohort study in the US that includes centres in
Alabama, California, Illinois, and Minnesota. A total of 3,070 healthy participants aged 18 to 30 were included in this study.

Food and beverage intakes were measured three times over a 20-year period
(1985 to 2005). After 25 years (in 2010) computed tomography (CT) scans
of the chest and abdomen were performed to measure fat volumes in the
abdomen and around the heart.

The researchers found that sugar intake over the 20-year period
was related to fat volumes later in life. Higher intakes of both sugar-sweetened beverages and added sugar were related to greater fat
stores around organs in a stepwise fashion.

"Our findings provide more evidence that consuming too much added sugar
and sugary drinks is related to a higher amount of fat tissue," said
study author Dr. Lyn Steffen of the University of Minnesota School of
Public Health. "And, we know that fat deposits are connected with higher
risks of heart disease and diabetes." She advised reducing the amount
of added sugar consumed each day. "Have water instead of sugary drinks
and choose healthier snacks over foods rich in added sugar like cakes,"
she said. "Read food labels to check the amount of added sugar in what
you are buying. Look for ingredients like syrups, glucose, fructose,
sucrose, and maltose. Being more aware of hidden sugar will help you cut
back." Dr. Steffen said: "On top of our individual efforts, governments,
food manufacturers, restaurants, schools, and workplaces have a role to
play in increasing consumer awareness of the sugar content in foods and beverages and offering healthier alternatives."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by European_Society_of_Cardiology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. So-Yun Yi, Lyn M Steffen, James G Terry, David R Jacobs, Daniel
Duprez,
Brian T Steffen, Xia Zhou, James M Shikany, Lisa Harnack, John
J Carr.

Added sugar intake is associated with pericardial adipose tissue
volume.

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2020; 204748732093130
DOI: 10.1177/2047487320931303 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200629120243.htm

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