There is a link between sugar-sweetened beverages and changes in chromosomal sequences. Sugar-sweetened beverages.
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and cell aging
The correlation between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has been extensively studied. But these beverages now seem have a different negative effect: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be related to certain sequences found in chromosomes in cells, which accelerate aging– according to a University of California study published in the American Journal of Public Health.
Researchers assayed the DNA sequences of 5,300 healthy Americans aged 20-65 and found that the chromosomes of those who consumed more sugar-sweetened beverages had undergone a change associated with cell aging: “we assume it’s fine to drink a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages as long as we don’t put on weight. But out study shows that there are hidden ways that these beverages affect the body”, said Prof. Alissa Epel, one of the researchers. She added: “The extremely high quantities of sugar we put into our bodies when we consume these beverages has a toxic effect on metabolism”.
What happens to those chromosomal sequences? The sequences get shorter over time becoming less efficient at replenishing. The study found direct correlation between the daily consumption of 500 ml of sugar-sweetened beverages and cell aging by 4.6 years. However, it is important to note the study found a correlation and not a causal effect.
Now is the moment to mention the quantities of sugar hidden in beverages: in a small bottle of soda there are around 12 teaspoons of sugar, in a bottle or can of store-bought fruit juice: between 8-9 teaspoons of sugar and in flavored water there are about 4 teaspoons. What should you do? Gradually switch to drinking plain water which can be upgraded by adding slices of some citrus, mint or other fruits.
What can be done to extend cell life and improve your health?
The study indicated that maintaining a well-balanced diet, meditating and exercising, cell life could be extended and the aging process could slow down. The study was conducted on a group of people with early stage prostate cancer. As a result of changes they made to their lifestyles, such as exercising more, meditating and changing their diets, there were significant improvements of their cells. The researchers believed that this would also apply to the non-cancerous population.