Diet And nutrition play an important role in determining overall health, and the effects of excessive sugar consumption are becoming increasingly worrisome. A recent study by researchers at the University of Surrey reveals a strong link between a preference for sugary foods and serious health risks, including: DepressionThe study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, examined the effects of dietary preferences on the likelihood of developing various health conditions, such as depression. diabetesand vascular problems, such as stroke,

The research team analyzed data from the UK Biobank, where they classified participants into three main diet groups: the health conscious, omnivores and those with a sweet tooth. Health-conscious people were those who consumed mainly fruits and vegetables and avoided animal-based and sugary foods. Omnivorous animals had a balanced diet that included meat, fish, vegetables and occasionally sweets. On the other hand, the sweet tooth group had a higher preference for sweet foods and beverages, while they were less interested in healthier options such as fruits and vegetables.

To understand the impact of these dietary habits, researchers measured 2,923 proteins and 168 metabolites in blood samples taken from participants. They found that people in the sweet tooth group had worse blood markers of inflammation and higher levels of glucose, which are indicators of increased risk for metabolic and mental health issues. Specifically, the study showed that people who preferred eating sweets had a 31 percent higher risk of depression than other groups. This group also displayed elevated levels of glucose and lipids, further increasing the risk of diabetes and vascular conditions.

On the other hand, the health-conscious group showed improvements in blood markers and reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. These findings highlight the important impact that dietary choices have on long-term health outcomes. Therefore, controlling sugar intake is an essential step to improve both mental and physical health.

Professor Nofar Geifman, senior author of the study and professor of health and biomedical informatics at the University of Surrey, emphasized the direct link between food preferences and health. “If your favorite foods are cakes, sweets and sugary drinks, the results of our study suggest that this may have a negative impact on your health,” Geifman said. He said that although no one is dictating dietary choices, it is important for people to be informed about the potential risks.

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