Diet sodas can sometimes seem like the ideal answer to an age-old problem. Sweets and sodas are typically high in calories and sugar, so they can contribute to weight gain. Sipping on a calorie and sugar-free diet soda should be the obvious solution. Instead, some studies point to the negative effects of drinking too much diet soda. Although they are technically calorie-free, they can lead to a bevy of health problems that may render their calorie-free advantage inconsequential.
Nutritional Information
At first glance, the nutritional information label on your diet soda reads much like that of a benign food. Diet sodas are typically calorie- and sugar-free and offer little in the way of nutrition except for a moderate amount of sodium. But simply because a product lacks calories does not make it a healthy option. Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners and flavors that can cause negative side effects including weight gain.
Weight Gain
Diet soda can cause weight gain for two reasons. First, having chosen diet soda, you may allow yourself to eat unhealthier foods in larger quantities, reasoning that you're not consuming calories through your beverage of choice. This can lead to overeating and poor eating habits. Second, artificial sweeteners can disrupt the natural communication between your tongue and brain that helps you judge the amount of food consumed. This can also lead you to overeat when you drink diet soda.
Dangers
People who drank diet soda every day had a 61 percent higher risk for vascular events than those who did not consume diet soda, according to a study performed by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, with results presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference. Although the reason for the link between diet soda and vascular effects is unclear, if you already have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, calorie-free drinks that are free of artificial sweeteners are a better fit.
Alternatives
Plain water remains the best way to hydrate your body, offering a low-cost alternative to pricey soft drinks. If the bland taste of water discourages you, add a squeeze of lemon or a small amount of seltzer to increase the flavor without increasing the calories.
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