Maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of keeping your overall wellness in check and allowing your body to thrive. However, it’s especially important to make your diet a priority as you age and your risk of certain diseases rises. In addition to filling your meals with antioxidant-rich ingredients that can protect your body from complications like heart disease, brain disease, cancer, and more, it’s also important to cut certain foods and beverages out of your diet. There’s one beverage in particular that health experts recommend steering clear of if you want to reduce your risk of age-related diseases.
To discover one of the worst beverages out there that you should avoid as much as possible over 50, we spoke to Dr. Bassam Zeina, MD, PhD. He told us that sugary sodas can be some of the biggest culprits when it comes to raising your risk of age-related diseases. Read on to learn more about the risks of this type of beverage.
How sugary soda can increase your risk of age-related diseases
When it comes to the worst ingredients out there for your overall health, no matter your age, sugar is definitely somewhere at the top of the list. Excessive sugar consumption can set you up for a range of health complications over time, including serious diseases later in life. For this reason, Dr. Zeina says that sugary soda is among the worst beverages to drink over 50.
"Regular consumption of soda, especially those high in sugar, has been linked to an increased risk of various age-related diseases and conditions," he warns. "The high sugar content in soda can lead to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers." Yikes!
The sugar content of these beverages isn't the only factor that can put you at risk. Dr. Zeina also points out that "the acidic nature of soda can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to dental problems." That's just one more reason to cut this sweet but detrimental drink out of your diet.
What to drink instead
If you regularly sip on sugary soda, you may be wondering what some of the best alternatives are. Luckily, there's no shortage of healthy beverages to choose from, including many antioxidant-rich beverages that can actually reduce your risk of age-related diseases.
"To promote healthy aging, it is advisable to limit or avoid the consumption of sugary soda and opt for healthier alternatives such as water, herbal tea, or fresh fruit juices in moderation," Dr. Zeina concludes. Got it!
READ MORE: Experts Warn That This Diet Mistake Could Raise Your Risk Of Age-Related Diseases
