In recent years, the consumption of sugary beverages has gained significant attention due to its adverse effects on health. While these drinks may offer a momentary burst of sweetness and satisfaction, their excessive intake is closely associated with various health concerns. One particularly concerning link is the correlation between sugary beverage consumption and the accumulation of abdominal fat. This visceral fat, located deep within the abdominal cavity, has been recognized as a key contributor to several health problems.
We spoke with Sheri Berger, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for Consumer Health Digest, to learn about some of the worst sugar-laden drinks to stop buying if you want to reduce abdominal fat. Berger revealed that sweetened tea and frozen coffee drinks are some of the worst options out there that you should avoid.
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Sweetened Tea
Sweetened tea is a popular beverage enjoyed for its sweet and refreshing flavor. It's typically made by adding sugar or sweeteners to traditional tea varieties like black or green tea. The problem lies in the excessive consumption of sweetened tea, which can lead to a higher intake of added sugars and calories. These added sugars, primarily in the form of sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, can contribute to weight gain and the accumulation of abdominal fat.
"Sweetened tea such as bottled varieties and boba teas are like liquid candy and detrimental to your waistline. Drinking tea over soda may sound like a healthier choice, but most people are not aware that commercial sweetened tea can have over 50 grams of added sugar, which is even more than you find in a can of soda, and excessive sugar consumption is linked in studies to deposits of fat on the belly and around the heart." Berger reveals.
Frozen Coffee Drinks
Frozen coffee drinks are a delightful blend of coffee, cream, ice, and often sweeteners, offering a refreshing and indulgent flavor that appeals to many coffee lovers. While they provide a delicious way to cool off, it's important to be cautious about their consumption, particularly if they are high in added sugars and calories.
Excessive consumption of frozen coffee drinks with sugary syrups or toppings can contribute to weight gain and the accumulation of abdominal fat.
"Think twice before ordering a frappuccino or other frozen coffee drink, you may be exceeding daily added sugar recommendations and adding to belly fat. Most grande frappuccinos contain over 60 grams of added sugar per drink," says Berger.
Healthier Alternatives
Balancing one's frozen coffee or sweetened tea indulgence with healthier options or reducing the added sugar content can help mitigate the potential risks to abdominal fat and overall health.
Berger recommends a few ways you can reduce the sugar content and the calorie amount of these drinks that can ensure you won't pack a lot of belly fat.
"Order a smaller size, skipping the whipped cream, and asking for half the added syrup or sweetened powders. Skip the sweetened teas and choose unsweetened tea with natural flavors. Cinnamon tea is popping with natural sweetness and has no added sugar. Plain or naturally flavored seltzer waters are your best go-tos for hydration without sugar or calories. Drinking plenty of water and noncaloric beverages, helps to flush your body of toxins and excess water, which decreases pesky bloating," Berger concludes.
