Topics: Health, News, Food and Drink
A cardiologist has issued a damning conclusion on a popular drink and insisted people should steer clear.
While many of us would like to think we know what we are eating, in truth, many don’t actually understand what they are consuming and whether it is good or bad for them.
As you get older, it becomes pretty important to focus on what you are putting inside your body and understanding whether it is healthy.
Well, a cardiologist has dismissed an idea that this popular drink is healthier than its alternatives and cautioned against consuming large quantities.
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Dr. Dmitry Yaranov recently shared a video on his TikTok page, @heart_transplant_doc,showing him walking around in surgical scrubs with the caption: “After years in cardiology, this is why I don’t touch ‘diet’ drinks anymore.”
He wrote in the caption: “The biggest lie in your fridge? 'Zero Sugar'.
“You’ve been told diet sodas are the healthier choice — the 'better' option when you’re watching your weight or your blood sugar. But new data say otherwise.
“A major population study just found that people who drink diet or zero-sugar beverages daily have a higher risk of liver disease than those drinking sugary ones.
“Let that sink in — the fake sugar hit harder than the real thing.
“Artificial sweeteners appear to alter gut metabolism and liver fat handling, leading to a ~60% higher risk of metabolic liver disease (MASLD). Sugary drinks? About 50%.
“Water? Safest by far.
“So next time you reach for that 'zero guilt' can — remember: 'Zero Sugar' doesn’t mean zero impact. Your liver can tell the difference.”
The study, which was published in October this year, saw researchers track about 124,000 adults for around 10 years and found that people who drank a lot of sugary soft drinks or diet/low-sugar versions were more likely to develop fatty liver disease linked to MASLD.
Liver specialist Dr. Hal Brindley, spoke to Newsweek and noted that more research needs to be conducted to follow up the study’s conclusion.
He said: “While this study links low-calorie and artificially sweetened beverages to MASLD, further research is required to confirm the underlying mechanisms. These may include appetite stimulation from sweet tastes or interactions with the gut microbiome.
"Currently, the data does not support a need for total avoidance. Instead, a moderate intake is advisable."
This warning from Dr Yaranov comes following another clip that did the rounds on TikTok last month, this time from cardiovascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London.
Dr London recalled four things people over 40 should avoid, some more surprising than others.
The doctor said individuals should reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption, cut out smoking or vaping, not getting enough sleep and oddly enough ‘toxic’ people.
