A recent study from the University of Surrey has revealed a clear link between a preference for sugary foods and serious health issues, including depression. Published in the “Journal of Translational Medicine”, the research indicates that individuals who enjoy sweet treats are at greater risk for depression, diabetes, and vascular problems such as strokes, reports The Business Standard.
Researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, focusing on blood samples that measured 2,923 proteins and 168 metabolites across different participant groups: health-conscious individuals, omnivores, and those with a sweet tooth.
The findings revealed that the sweet tooth group exhibited poorer blood markers for inflammation and glucose levels, which suggests an increased risk for both metabolic and mental health conditions. In particular, this group was 31% more likely to experience depression compared to the others.
The sweet tooth group also had higher levels of inflammation, glucose, and lipids, while health-conscious participants had lower risks of heart disease and stroke. These findings emphasize how food preferences can significantly affect long-term health.
Professor Nophar Geifman, senior author of the study and Professor of Health and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Surrey, said, "The foods that you like or dislike seem to directly link to your health. If your favorite foods are cakes, sweets, and sugary drinks, then our study's results suggest that this may have negative effects on your health. We found that the sweet tooth group is 31% more likely to have depression. We also found that the sweet tooth group had higher rates of diabetes, as well as vascular heart conditions, compared to the other two groups."
Bd-pratidin English/Afia
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