During hot weather, the body loses more water through sweating as it works to stay cool. Even mild dehydration can trigger thirst, making you want to reach for a drink more often than usual. In addition, heat increases the body’s need for fluids and electrolytes, especially during outdoor activities or exercise. Choosing water as your main beverage and eating water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can help maintain hydration. Sugary drinks and alcohol, however, are less effective for hydration and may even contribute to further fluid loss if consumed in excess.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have found that frequent consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The study’s findings were published in the journal BMC Medicine.
During the study, scientists assessed the dietary habits of more than 100,000 people. They examined the participants’ diets, with a particular focus on carbohydrates derived from 206 types of food and 32 types of beverages.
The study spanned nine years, during which nearly 10,000 participants were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or experienced a stroke. After further analyses and statistical adjustments, the researchers concluded that total carbohydrate intake does not affect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, consumption of free sugars from sources such as sugar-sweetened soft drinks, fruit juices, and milk-based beverages was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Specifically, every 5% increase in energy (calorie) intake from free sugars was associated with a 10% higher risk of stroke and a 6% higher risk of heart disease.
