By Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S., C.B.T.
Avoiding sugary, high-caloric sodas is a good health strategy. But replacing them, as many people do, with artificially-sweetened beverages – so-called “diet sodas” − may not be such a good strategy. Accumulating evidence says that frequent consumption of these popular sugar substitutes also increase the risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A scientific analysis by a Purdue researcher specializing in “ingestive behavior” puts forward the hypothesis that frequent consumption of sweet-tasting, non-caloric or low-caloric beverages may create brain responses that have the “counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements.” As a result, drinkers of these high-intensity sweeteners may be exposing themselves to excess energy intake, increased body weight, and other unhealthy consequences.
The take-away message in the analysis recommends “caution about the overall sweetening of the diet,” no matter what the source of the added sweetness.
Learn more about the analysis here.
My viewpoint: The hypothesis has to be confirmed by more research, however, the bottom line is clear to me. All these sodas are pure and simple junk food that doesn’t do your body any good. Added sweeteners are a curse to health.
What this means to you: Don’t let the label claims of “diet soda” or “low-calorie” soda fool you.
Recommendation: Avoid sodas. Make water your primary beverage in life. That’s the only liquid your body needs. If you like to drink coffee and tea as well, don’t sweeten them.
Learn More…
© 2013 HeartMD Institute. All rights reserved.
