Too Many Sugary Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or sugary drinks are leading sources of added sugars in the American diet. More early deaths among people between the ages of 25 and 64 were linked to sodas and other sugary drinks than any other dietary factor. Sugary drinks were responsible for 7.4% of deaths overall, affecting more men than women.

Drinks high in sugar are linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and tooth decay, and the Boston Public Health Commission reports that women who consume one or more sugary drinks per day have an almost double the risk of developing diabetes compared to those who consume one or fewer. The U.S. government's dietary recommendations state that fewer than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars. Consider substituting seltzer water, flavored water, tea, or fresh vegetable juice for soda and other sugary beverages.