Is Dessert Actually Good for You? New Study Weighs In

Dessert lovers, listen up: Researchers from the University of Lund in Sweden have discovered that consuming sweet desserts in moderation after meals can actually be beneficial for your health. This comprehensive study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, examined the sugar consumption habits of around 70,000 participants over more than two decades, revealing some surprising findings.

According to the study, drinking sugary beverages was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of more than eight glasses a week heightened the risk of ischemic stroke by 19%, heart failure by 18%, and abdominal aortic aneurysm by 31%.

In contrast, the researchers found that eating sweet desserts like cakes or ice cream after meals, and in a moderate frequency, could actually lower the risk of heart disease. Participants who derived between 5% and 7.5% of their daily calories from added sugars, primarily through desserts, showed a reduced risk compared to those who avoided sugar entirely or consumed it excessively.

"Our findings demonstrate that the impact of sugar depends not only on the quantity but also on the context in which it is consumed," says Dr. Susan Yansey, the lead researcher. She suggests that moderate dessert consumption might be part of a healthy diet.

Here are the researchers' conclusions: First, reduce sugary beverage intake to the bare minimum. Second, enjoy desserts in small amounts after meals, and maintain a moderate daily sugar intake (5%-7.5% of total calories). Furthermore, the study emphasizes that a balanced approach to sugar, rather than complete avoidance, is key to maintaining heart health.