A 2025 EMJ Neurology report highlights groundbreaking lab findings that the popular artificial sweetener erythritol—often found in sugar-free drinks—can impair brain blood vessel health. In simpler terms, this means erythritol could reduce blood flow to the brain and increase stroke risk.

Globally, added sugar now makes up around 10% of total calories consumed, ranking just behind grains and produce. But while those provide some nourishment, sugar contributes little and harms much. A 2023 Annual Review study warns that sugar—not fat—is driving the chronic disease epidemic. And sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the worst offenders.