Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Linked to Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes

A review of previous epidemiological studies finds a strong association between the regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and juice and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

According to Deshpande et al, regular intake of sugar-sweetened beverages can alter glucose handling and insulin sensitivity, thereby contributing to the development of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; there is also evidence that frequent sugar-sweetened beverage intake — and particularly fructose — is linked to hypertension and well-known cardiovascular disease risk factors. Image credit: WikiImages.

The World Health Organization estimates that noncommunicable diseases result in 38 million fatalities annually, with cardiometabolic diseases accounting for 19 million fatalities.

The umbrella term 'cardiometabolic diseases' describes both cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes are all risk factors for the onset of cardiometabolic diseases.

Beside such risk factors, sugar-sweetened beverage intake can also drive the onset of cardiovascular diseases by promoting hypertension, inflammation, and dyslipidemia.

"Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is steadily rising among all age groups worldwide," said review's senior author Dr. M. Faadiel Essop, from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

"Our analysis revealed that most epidemiological studies strongly show that frequent intake of these beverages contributes to the onset of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension."

Dr. Essop and his colleagues at Stellenbosch University reviewed 36 studies on the cardiometabolic effects of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from the past decade.

Since some recent studies reached conflicting findings regarding the relationship between beverage consumption and health conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases, the authors critically assessed the research landscape for overall trends.

Although there were some studies with negative or neutral findings, most of the studies supported a link between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome.

Most of the analyzed studies looked at individuals who drank more than five sugar-sweetened beverages a week.

Studies on diet and diabetes revealed consuming as few as two servings of sugar-sweetened beverages a week was linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Several of the analyzed studies found drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day was associated with elevated blood pressure.

"The findings demonstrate there is a clear need for public education about the harmful effects of excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages," Dr. Essop said.

"But our understanding of this topic would benefit from additional research to further clarify how sugar-sweetened beverages affect our health."

"We do see some limitations in the current research on this topic, including a need for longer-term studies and standardized research methods."

The review article was published in the November 1, 2017 issue of the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

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Gaurang Deshpande et al. 2017. Frequent Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and the Onset of Cardiometabolic Diseases: Cause for Concern? Journal of the Endocrine Society 1 (11): 1372-1385; doi: 10.1210/js.2017-00262

San Miguel to consolidate food, beverage units in share swap

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp (SMC.PS) announced a share swap among its group companies on Monday to combine its core food and beverage assets valued at 336 billion pesos ($6.6 billion).

A logo of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is seen at a main office in Ortigas city, metro Manila February 12, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

San Miguel Pure Foods Co Inc (PF.PS) said in a filing to the Manila bourse that it will acquire San Miguel Corp's majority stakes in both Ginebra San Miguel Inc (GSMI.PS) and San Miguel Brewery Inc and will issue 4.24 billion new shares to San Miguel Corp in exchange.

San Miguel Pure Foods' public float is 14.6 percent and San Miguel Corp currently owns 85.4 perce nt.

San Miguel Corp also currently owns most of Ginebra San Miguel Inc and just over 50 percent of San Miguel Brewery Inc. Japan's Kirin Holdings Co Ltd (2503.T) owns the rest of San Miguel Brewery and it will retain that stake.

Pure Foods will be renamed San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc to reflect the change.

Shares in Pure Foods and Ginebra surged 50 percent on news of the restructuring on Monday, the daily limit on the Manila bourse, while parent San Miguel Corp gained 5.4 percent, outperforming the Philippines' broader index .PSI, which closed up 1.75 percent at a new record high.

San Miguel has pursued an aggressive expansion since 2008 to bolster revenues, adding infrastructure, mining, petroleum and power assets to its staple food and b everage businesses.

The San Miguel companies appointed Standard Chartered and ING Bank as financial advisors on the deal. The share swap must now be approved by shareholders at a special meeting set for Jan. 18.

Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Susan Fenton

InterContinental Hotels, Residence Inn introduce new beverage programs

The U.S. beverage market is a $354 billion industry with alcoholic beverages accounting for 60 percent of the revenues, according to Park Street. With numbers like these, it's a good bet that a number of hotel guests and visitors would appreciate a thoughtful, well-curated beverage list.

Two major brands, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott, announced new offerings this week that they hope appeal to those seeking a refreshing libation.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts unveiled the new Worldly Classics cocktail program, which was created in partnership with renowned mixologist Angus Winchester. The unique selection of expertly mixed alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks offers a sophisticated yet surprising twist on the familiar cocktail, inspired by the culture and heritage of some of the brand's most iconic destinations around the globe. The program will be available at properties across the Americas beginning winter 2017.

Supported by intriguing stories and elevated service rituals, the Worldly Classics cocktails invite guests to discover the brand's international expertise, as well as the culture and heritage of its most iconic destinations. The Worldly Classics program is part of the brand's "Stories of the InterContinental Life" campaign, which showcases multisensory journeys to InterContinental Hotels & Resorts destinations around the world.

"InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 190 hotels in more than 60 countries that span the globe, giving us the unique advantage of being able to deliver authentic dining and bar experiences to discerning global travelers," said Jason Moskal, VP, lifestyle brands, the Americas. "As the world's largest global luxury hospitality brand, the InterContinental Worldly Classics beverage program provides guests an immersive global cocktail experience to help transport them to many celebrated destinations around the world."

Inspired by the Golden Age of luxury travel, Winchester created 11 distinct cocktails embodying elegance, attention to detail and a sense of discovery. Examples of the innovative cocktails to be served across the Americas portfolio include:

Brazilian Smash: Caipirinha inspired by the InterContinental San Paulo Hotel

French Moto: Sidecar inspired by the InterContinental Paris le Grand Hotel

Hong Kong Mule: Moscow Mule inspired by the InterContinental Hong Kong Hotel

Indonesian Nu Fashioned: Old Fashioned inspired by the InterContinental Bali Resort

Residence Inn, on the other hand, is elevating the Residence Inn Mix wine and beer program. The Residence Inn Mix was introduced in 2015 to shake up the evening social concept and appeal to next-generation business travelers, providing an opportunity to experience unique aspects of the local area, socialize and network with other travelers without leaving the hotel.

The complimentary events are offered three nights a week at most Residence Inn hotels across the country and incorporate fun, rotating themes like "Off the Grill" Tuesdays and visits by local food trucks on rotating Wednesdays. And starting this month, the program will feature a carefully curated list of upscale beverage offerings.

With the enhanced wine program, each hotel will choose to serve at least one white and one red from a new selection of featured wines including Coppola Rosso & Bianco Pinot Grigio and BV Coastal Estates Chardonnay from California, and 14 Hands Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's Columbia Valley. In addition to these new wine offerings, hotels in wine-producing regions may also offer one or two top quality local wines for their guests to reflect the destination's offerings. Special Residence Inn Mix Wine Cards will be set out on tables, displaying the wine name, bottle image, varietal and appellation, along with a brief description of the wine, helping guests familiarize themselves with new labels.

Guests at the Residence Inn Mix events can also enjoy new, premium beer selections including leading regional brands like Blue Point Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery, Devil's Backbone Brewing Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Co.

"As the leader in longer stays, Residence Inn is constantly evolving to meet guests' desires. We created the innovative Residence Inn Mix when what we heard showed that next generation business travelers were seeking an on property social experience during longer stays," says Diane Mayer, VP brand management, Residence Inn by Marriott. "We've seen the program's success and know that our guests are savvy and educated when it comes to their wine and beer choices, so we're taking the Residence Inn Mix to the next level with this new elevated beverage program."