Both sugar-sweetened and diet beverages may wreak havoc with your heart rhythm, according to a new study.
Researchers say drinking two liters or more per week can significantly raise the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure.
The researchers analyzed dietary reports from more than 200,000 adults who were free of AFib at the start.
After 10 years of follow-up, the results showed participants who drank more than 2 liters – or 67 ounces --of artificially sweetened beverages a week were 20% more likely to develop AFib.
Those who consumed the same amount of sugar-sweetened beverages were 10% more likely.
But drinking 1 liter or 34 ounces of pure fruit juice each week was associated with an 8% lower risk of the heart condition.
The lead author says based on these findings, “We recommend that people reduce or even avoid artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible.”
A member of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee says water is your best choice as research on the topic continues.
