**Sugar Wars: Drinks vs. Food – What’s Worse for Your Health?**
In the ongoing battle against sugar, recent insights shed light on a critical question: is sugar in drinks more harmful than in food? Experts, including registered dietitian Halle Saperstein, are making a strong case for sugary beverages taking the dubious crown.
According to Saperstein, the rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels triggered by sugary drinks make them particularly detrimental to our health. “When you consume sugar in liquid form, it enters your bloodstream more quickly, leading to those dangerous spikes,” she explains. This surge, she cautions, can set the stage for significant health problems like fatty liver disease and heart disease if left unmanaged.
Despite the health risks associated with both forms of sugar, the alarming high sugar content found in many drinks—often packing in the equivalent of several candy bars in one serving—cannot be overlooked. In contrast, sugar in solid foods is usually accompanied by fibers and nutrients that help mitigate some of its adverse effects.
To combat the rise of sugary drinks, experts recommend healthier alternatives such as sparkling water infused with fruits. “It’s all about breaking the habit,” Saperstein notes. “It can take around 21 days to adjust your palate away from sugary beverages, but it’s worth the effort.”
For those looking to improve their health, ditching sugary drinks might just be the best first step. With heart disease on the rise, understanding the real impact of sugar in our diets could be a game changer. Consumers are urged to rethink their beverage choices—because in the war against sugar, choosing wisely could mean the difference between health and heartache.
