Research updates

Many people turn to iced tea for a cool summer drink. However, researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have found that it causes kidney stones. Tea is rich in oxalates, a key chemical which leads to the formation of kidney stones, a health problem that affects over 10 per cent of the population. People with a tendency to form kidney stones should avoid iced tea completely, according to the researchers. Kidney stones are formed by not consuming enough fluids. However, iced tea is the one drink that should be avoided. Drink water or lemonade instead, the researchers urge. Interestingly, hot tea does not have the same effect, even though it is equally rich in oxalates. Moving on to other forms of drinks, let’s look at fizzy beverages. It is well known that sugary drinks are bad for us. However, the extent of the damage they can cause even in a very short time has shocked researchers who tested a selection of such drinks on a group of 11 healthy and lean volunteers. After just four weeks of regular consumption, their entire metabolism had altered. They all put on weight and their insulin resistance had increased (insulin resistance can lead to diabetes...