That’s right. McDonald’s isn’t just helping you pack on the pounds with their food but adding on a sugary drink will help you keep the weight. A recent study showed that adding a sugary drink to a protein-rich meal (say, a Big Mac combo) can decrease your body’s ability to burn fat by 8 percent.
The ‘War’ on Sugar
It’s been no secret that you shouldn’t be taking in huge amounts of sugar on a daily basis. Although that seems like common sense, one-third of Americans are still drinking sugary drinks every day. Sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks have been linked to a rise in heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity for years. In fact, cities like New York have tried to wage war on sugar by placing higher tax on sugary drinks. Though there have been numerous studies as to why these drinks are so bad for you, the most recent study may provide a bit more of a reason as to why sugary drinks are doing so much harm.
How Sugary Drinks Impact Your Metabolism
The study, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consisted of 27 participants. Each individual stayed in an isolated room. During their time in the room their levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, and air pressure were all measured, making it possible for the study researchers to measure each person’s metabolism.
Each participant spent 24 hours in the room at a time. They’d be given breakfast and lunch with either a sugary drink or artificial sweetener. Those who had been given a sugary drink had a slower metabolic rate (by 8 percent). They were also more likely to crave salty snacks in the hours following the meal.
It’s All About Pairing (And Moderation)
What researchers would like to point out is that a lot of how sugary drinks (and anything else you put in your body) affects your health has a lot to do with the other things you are putting in your body as well. Researchers found that meals higher in protein paired with sugary drinks would decrease their ability to metabolize the food by 8 percent.
Meals with high protein (15 percent protein or more) paired with sugary drinks made noticeable changes in the subject’s metabolism. A meal with 15 percent protein partnered with a sugary drink would reduce fat oxidation by about 7.2 grams, according to Tech Times. This means every time you go through the drive thru at your favorite fast food and order a number five with a large Coke you’re slowly your body’s ability to burn fat down.
All in all, everything in life has to come with moderation. No one is saying you have to cut sugary drinks out of your life entirely but certainly don’t drink them every day and, if you do, don’t pair it with a big juicy burger. Be conscious about what you’re putting in your body so that you always get the best out! Also, check out these 10 healthy soda alternatives.
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Photo: Nature World News
James Hendrickson is an internet entrepreneur, blogging junky, hunter and personal finance geek. When he’s not lurking in coffee shops in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find him in the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. James has a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelors degree on Sociology from Earlham College. He loves individual stocks, bonds and precious metals.
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