Why is it that the summer months conjure up images of cool sugary drinks enjoyed while lounging in the backyard or at a family picnic? As we embrace the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, most of us will fall prey to the temptation of easy-to-grab, ice-laden sugary drinks for cold refreshment. So, I just want to remind you: Whoa!
Consider results of research at Louisiana State University where 810 people with varying degrees of concerning blood pressure levels participated in an 18-month experiment to evaluate how exercise, weight loss, and diet would affect their blood pressure levels. They found that cutting back on sugar lowered blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, and even moderate reductions can lower that risk.
Study participants drank 10.5 ounces (a little less than a can) of a sugary drink every day at the beginning of the study, then cut back. Sugary drinks included soft drinks, lemonade, fruit punch, and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
The answer? Cut the sugar! Opt instead for mineral water sweetened with flavored stevia (I like Sweet Leaf) or Dr. Sinatra’s favorite, club soda with D-ribose and pureed raspberries…yum!
If you have any great, low-sugar or sugar-free cold summer drink alternatives, let us know!
For more information on healthy heart nutrition, visit www.drsinatra.com.
Consider results of research at Louisiana State University where 810 people with varying degrees of concerning blood pressure levels participated in an 18-month experiment to evaluate how exercise, weight loss, and diet would affect their blood pressure levels. They found that cutting back on sugar lowered blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, and even moderate reductions can lower that risk.
Study participants drank 10.5 ounces (a little less than a can) of a sugary drink every day at the beginning of the study, then cut back. Sugary drinks included soft drinks, lemonade, fruit punch, and fruit drinks sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
The answer? Cut the sugar! Opt instead for mineral water sweetened with flavored stevia (I like Sweet Leaf) or Dr. Sinatra’s favorite, club soda with D-ribose and pureed raspberries…yum!
If you have any great, low-sugar or sugar-free cold summer drink alternatives, let us know!
For more information on healthy heart nutrition, visit www.drsinatra.com.
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