Fizzy Sodas Bad For Kids’ Health

The University of Sydney has released a study showing that carbonated drinks are bad for children’s health and these can lead to high-blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases in the future.

The university studied about 2,000 children aged 12 years old. The findings showed that these children are consuming food and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Their retinas also revealed narrower blood vessels, an indicator of future heart diseases.

Researchers from the University of Sydney Westmead Millenium Institute for Medical Research said they monitored the daily sugar and carbohydrates consumption of these kids. 21 high schools in Sydney were asked to participate in the study with the children answering the survey about their diet.

The findings showed that those who drink more soft drinks and consume more carbohydrates exhibited a more adverse microvascular profile. Researchers said they will have the same survey after five years to assess whether the damage progresses.

The study, which also appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reflects a report released by Diabetes Australia.

The body forecast that diabetic Australians will rise to an “epidemic proportion” in the next 20 years. It said that the country will have as many as 3.5 million diabetics if lifestyle changes are not made.

The report of Diabetes Australia also showed that the younger generation has a higher risk of suffering from diabetes. One out of 10 people under 40 years old were found to be diabetic.

This is not good news for the ailing healthcare system as Australia is one of the countries that have a high incidence of diabetes.

Tagged cardiovascular disease, diabetes, food, nutrition