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A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey has uncovered significant health risks linked to a preference for sweet foods, including an increased likelihood of depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. The research, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, analyzed data from 180,000 UK Biobank participants, shedding light on how our food preferences can influence long-term health outcomes.
The Study: Dietary Profiles and Health Impacts
Researchers employed artificial intelligence to categorize individuals into three dietary profiles based on their food preferences:
- Health-conscious: Prioritize fruits and vegetables over animal-based and sweet foods.
- Omnivore: Enjoy a wide variety of foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, and desserts.
- Sweet tooth: Prefer sweet foods and sugary drinks while showing less interest in healthier options like fruits and vegetables.
The study then examined how these dietary preferences impacted 2,923 proteins and 168 metabolites in participants’ blood samples. These proteins and metabolites are critical indicators of bodily functions, offering insights into how different diets affect health at the biological level.
Sweet Tooth Group at Higher Risk
Professor Nophar Geifman, senior author of the study and Professor of Health and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Surrey, explained the link between food preferences and health outcomes. “The foods you like or dislike appear to have a direct connection to your health. Those with a preference for sweets were found to be 31% more likely to develop depression. Furthermore, this group also had elevated rates of diabetes and vascular heart conditions compared to those in the health-conscious and omnivore groups.”
The researchers also observed biological differences among the groups. In the “sweet tooth” category, participants exhibited higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, and had poorer glucose control and lipid profiles, all of which signal an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Health Benefits of Balanced Eating
On the other hand, the health-conscious group showed significantly lower risks for heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke, due to higher dietary fiber intake and healthier food choices. Meanwhile, the omnivore group fell somewhere in the middle, with moderate health risks.
Professor Geifman emphasized the importance of mindful eating, particularly with respect to processed sugars. “These results are further evidence that, as a society, we should think carefully before consuming processed sugars. While we aren’t here to tell people what to do, it’s vital to make informed choices,” she said.
Addressing Sugar Intake
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, sugar consumption remains high in the UK, with an average of 9% to 12.5% of an individual’s daily caloric intake coming from free sugars—those added to food or drinks. Biscuits, cakes, pastries, and sugary soft drinks are among the largest contributors to this intake. Given the potential health risks, the study’s findings underscore the importance of reducing sugar consumption to promote long-term health.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence linking processed sugar to negative health outcomes and highlights the need for public health strategies that encourage healthier dietary habits.
Reference: “Artificial intelligence driven definition of food preference endotypes in UK Biobank volunteers is associated with distinctive health outcomes and blood-based metabolomic and proteomic profiles” by Hana F. Navratilova, Anthony D. Whetton, and Nophar Geifman, October 1, 2024, Journal of Translational Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05663-0.
