New study reveals potential link between fizzy drinks, fruit juice, and stroke risk

If you enjoy a glass of fruit juice with breakfast or a fizzy drink after dinner, it may be time to reconsider.

A new study suggests that these drinks could be linked to a higher risk of stroke.

Frequent consumption of fizzy drinks or fruit juice has been associated with an increased stroke risk, according to global research co-led by the University of Galway, in collaboration with McMaster University, Canada, and an international network of stroke researchers.

Coffee lovers aren’t exempt either – the study also found that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily seems to raise the likelihood of stroke.

However, there’s a silver lining for sparkling water fans, as this research specifically refers to sugary drinks.

“This refers to sugary drinks, including fizzy soft drinks, and interestingly, diet fizzy drinks as well,” explained Manuel Arango, vice-president of policy and advocacy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Whether your fizzy drink is sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened, both types were linked to a 22 per cent increase in stroke risk. The danger spikes further for those consuming two to three drinks daily.

Fruit juice isn’t off the hook either. The study highlighted that many juices, marketed as “fruit juice,” are made from concentrates and contain added sugars and preservatives, negating the usual benefits associated with fresh fruit.

Such drinks were associated with a 37 per cent higher risk of strokes caused by bleeding (intracranial haemorrhage), with two drinks a day tripling the chance.

The risk was notably higher in women compared to men.

Arango noted that liquid sugar might have a more detrimental effect than sugar in solid form.

“When you overconsume liquid sugar or sugary drinks, it’s harder to feel full, so it’s much easier to overconsume.”

Fortunately, there’s a way to lower the stroke risk – drinking more water. Consuming over seven cups of water daily was linked to a reduced chance of stroke caused by a clot.

“Not all fruit drinks are the same – freshly squeezed juices are likely to be beneficial, but those made from concentrates with added sugars and preservatives may be harmful,” said Dr Andrew Smyth, professor of clinical epidemiology at the University of Galway and consultant physician at Galway University Hospitals.

“As a doctor and someone who has researched stroke risk, I would encourage people to reduce or avoid fizzy and fruit drinks, and consider switching to water.”

The good news? If you’re considering tea as an alternative, that may be a healthier option.