Scientists tell us why fruit juices, honey, and smoothies are dangerous
Scientists have found a new cause of heart disease and recommend changing global dietary recommendations as soon as possible.Scientists conducted a cohort study of data from British Biobank participants and found a link between increased intake of free sugars and a high likelihood of heart disease. Sugars are classified as "free" when they are not inside the cells of foods consumed, such as in fruit juices and some smoothies. They are also present in honey, with which "health advocates" substitute regular sugars. When only juice is left from fruit, sugar is released from the cells of the fruit. They also lose useful fiber.
According to the press release, there is an urgent need to change global dietary guidelines, and people should reduce their intake of free sugars to five percent of their total daily energy intake or lower.
Researchers led by Rebecca Kelly of Oxford University, UK, tracked people for more than nine years and found that cardiovascular disease (including heart attack and stroke) was more common in people who consumed free sugars. However, the researchers found no association between "total carbohydrate intake and cardiovascular disease outcomes," the researchers wrote.
As a solution, the researchers suggest replacing free sugars with nonfree sugars - "mostly those naturally found in whole fruits and vegetables, and higher fiber intake may help protect against cardiovascular disease," the researchers conclude.