Sugary foods and beverages are strongly associated with obesity and diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. In other words, sugar is killing Americans in droves.

In a recent study, researchers estimated that reduced sugar in packaged foods and beverages could prevent more than 2 million strokes, heart attacks, and cardiac arrests.

Furthermore, less sugar in packaged foods and drinks would also curb nearly a half-million heart-related deaths and an even greater number of diabetes cases in America, according to the new study.

For their study, the authors created a model to assess the impacts of voluntary sugar reduction goals for 15 categories of packaged foods and beverages. The targets were suggested by a partnership of more than 100 local, state, and national health organizations.

The model suggests cutting 20 percent of sugar from packaged foods and 40 percent from beverages. The researchers estimated the health care cost savings could exceed $4 billion over that time period. The study was published in the journal Circulation.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.