Are Diet Sodas Good for You

Are Diet Sodas Good for You?

Every time you reach for the “coke zero can” in your refrigerator, you feel relieved to be able to guzzle down at least something without any guilt. Are you sure you are right? The doubt often lingers on.

A study from the University of Miami shows that there is a 61% higher risk of ‘vascular events’ like strokes and heart attacks among individuals who had diet sodas everyday.

get their sweetness from a range of artificial sweeteners which are discussed below :

Aspartame

The artificial sweetener of the original “Diet Coke”. In America, mostly all diet beverages have it.

Cyclamates

The most ancient version of artificial sweetener. However, it has been banned by the FDA in the US as it caused cancer in laboratory mice.

Sachharin

The next best famous sweetener which leaves behind a bitter chemical after taste. Until aspartame became popular, it was the most used .

Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium

Two other sweeteners increasingly got more popular. Sucralose or which goes by its popular name Splenda is one of the most go-to sweeteners today in the US. Acesulfame potassium (Ace K or Sunnet) is also used in conjunction with all the other sweeteners discussed.

Health Concerns about Diet Sodas

A major concern about them is that they might actually lead to weight gain than loss. Studies from animal research have corroborated the fact. Scientists believe, that the brain chemicals actually control food intake by linking the sweet taste in mouth to the calories intake. The brain is fooled when artificial sweeteners provide the sweetness without any associated calories. It stimulates the brain to look for energy and induces the urge to over eat in turn. The person ends up eating way more than required with the consequence of a voracious appetite and associated weight gain.
A research project studied 9000 males and females. The findings from it suggested that up to 48% subjects were at a higher risk of weight gain and high blood sugar levels. Diet soda increased cravings for sugar flavored treats and wrecked havoc on the blood glucose balance in the body. The consumption of diet soda is linked with the development of increased metabolic syndrome (the risk of having cardiovascular disease and diabetes). Up to 25% of the American population suffers from this disorder.
However, in individuals who consume an overwhelming amount of normal sodas per day, it could be a good start to come off it. Nevertheless, the ultimate aim is to stay away absolutely from carbonated and sugary beverages.