Liking candies and snacks not only harms dental health but also increases the risk of depression and other conditions, according to research findings.

According to a study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, people who prefer sweet foods are found to have a higher risk of vascular problems such as depression, diabetes, and stroke.

 

Researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK collected information on the food preferences of 180,000 participants within the UK Biobank and used artificial intelligence to group them into three general profiles. These included health-conscious individuals (preferring fruits and vegetables over animal products and sweets), omnivorous individuals (enjoying most foods including meat, fish, some vegetables, as well as snacks and desserts), and those who prefer sweet foods (favoring sugary foods and drinks high in sugar with little interest in healthy options like fruits and vegetables).

The researchers examined the UK Biobank data, analyzing blood samples where 2,923 proteins and 168 metabolites were measured, to see how the levels changed in each group. Proteins are the workers of the body, involved in everything from fighting infections to muscle contractions and accidents. Metabolites are small molecules produced during digestion and other chemical processes in the body, and they can tell us a lot about how well the body is functioning. By comparing these blood-based proteins and metabolites, the researchers were able to gain a clearer picture of the biological differences between the groups.

 

The research results showed that the group that liked sweet foods had a 31% higher likelihood of developing depression. Additionally, the group that preferred sweet foods also had higher rates of diabetes and vascular heart disease compared to the other two groups.

 

The group that prefers sweet foods showed higher levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. Blood test results also revealed higher glucose levels and a poor lipid profile, which are strong warning signs for diabetes and heart disease.

Conversely, the health-conscious group had a higher intake of dietary fiber, and their risk of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke was lower, while the omnivorous group had a moderate health risk.

 

Professor Nopa Gaiman, the lead author of the study, said, "Foods that people like or dislike seem to be directly related to health. If the preferred foods are cake, cookies, or sugary drinks, they can have a negative impact on health." He added, "The research results show the long-term effects of food preferences on health," and emphasized, "This study highlights the importance of moderating sugar intake to improve health outcomes."

 

 

===========

People who prefer sweet foods

Depression, diabetes, stroke, and the like

The risk of developing vascular problems is higher.

 

However, I still crave sweets even when I'm stressed.

It does make me a bit hungry.

 

It has a close relationship with blood vessels.