Packaged beverages do have a special appeal for those who like them. Its sweet taste and affordable price make them often consumed by most people. However, the side effects of packaged beverages are not as sweet as it tastes. The high sugar content in these beverages can affect body health, including increasing the risk of obesity.

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world. Obesity occurs when there is a buildup of excessive fat in the body. Most people with obesity usually have high sugar levels in their bodies. In addition to affect physical appearance, if left unchecked, people with obesity have a high risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

In a recent study conducted by Baylor College of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine, the researchers found that packaged beverages have the potential to accelerate the growth of cancer cells, especially in colorectal cancer. As we know, packaged beverages are rich in artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, a high-fructose corn syrup used by producers as a sweetener in the beverages. The researchers explained that fructose could increase the role of glucose in fatty acid synthesis. Abundant fatty acids can be used by cancer cells to form cell membranes and give signals to molecules to grow and cause inflammation.

The researchers further explained that these results could explain the relationship between packaged beverages, obesity and the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is best for us to reduce the habit of consuming packaged beverages and other sugary beverages or foods.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Goncalves, M.D., Lu, C., Tutnauer, J., et all (2019). High-fructose corn syrup enhances intestinal tumor growth in mice. Science, 363(6433): 1345-1349, DOI: 10.1126/science.aat8515.
• Science Daily - High-fructose corn syrup boost intestinal tumor growth in mice (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190321141924.htm, March 27, 2019.