Two fizzy drinks a day can increase heart failure risk by a quarter

Consuming just two 200ml servings of fizzy drinks each day could increase your risk of heart failure by almost a quarter, according to a study.
A team of scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden conducted research over 12 years, and found that men who drank at least two servings daily had a risk of developing heart failure 23 per cent higher than those who didn’t.
42,400 men were involved in the study, with the scientists finding 3,604 cases where there was a positive association between the risk of heart failure and sweetened beverage consumption. They also identified 509 deaths being caused by the condition. Although none of the participants were women, the results may apply equally to both genders.
The study covered both artificially sweetened drinks (diet fizzy drinks) and drinks containing sugar. Soft drinks have been strongly linked to the rising levels of obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
Many health experts say that people consume too much sugar, with a survey by National Diet and Nutrition finding that adults in the UK get approximately 12 per cent of their daily calories from sugar. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends it be no more than 5 per cent.
For a healthy diet, it is important to reduce your consumption of sugar and processed food, whilst eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Regular exercise is also important for a healthy lifestyle.

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