Artificially Sweetened Drinks Not Necessarily Healthier

Many experts feel that a contributing factor in the worldwide problem in the increased incidence of type II diabetes and obesity may be the increased consumption of sweetened drinks. Many people turn to diet drinks with artificial sweeteners as a healthier alternative. However, a number of studies have looked at whether people who drink diet beverages are healthier. The latest study out of Harvard found that consuming beverages flavored with either sugar or artificial sweeteners was associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension. From the review of three large, prospective studies of healthcare professionals, drinking at least one sweetened beverage a day was associated with a 6% to 20% greater relative risk of receiving a hypertension diagnosis from a doctor. The bottom line is that plain old water may be your healthiest drink.Your Burbank Cardiologist for Women