A cola beverage is fine in moderation, but overconsumption may lead to negative health effects, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The average can of soda contains about 150 calories and 10 tsp. of sugar. These ingredients may be leading you into heart disease; however, those who drink diet cola may also be at risk.
Evidence
A study published in "Circulation" in 2007 links soda, even diet soda, with an increase in your risk for heart disease. According to this study, individuals who drink at least one can of soda each day are more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease. A soda increases your chances of obesity by 31 percent, diabetes by 25 percent and negative cholesterol affects by 32 percent.
Diabetes
When you have diabetes your risk for a heart attack is double that of a nondiabetic. The link between diabetes and soda consumption is also clear. An analysis conducted by the American Diabetes Association in 2010 of 11 different studies links drinking soda with an increase in the development of diabetes. The mechanism may be due to the high sugar composition of soda. Over time, the body becomes unable to handle such a great amount of sugar, which increases your risk of diabetes.
Obesity
According to the American Heart Association, being obese raises your risk for heart disease. Consumption of soda, even diet soda, can increase your risk of obesity. Regular soda contributes to excess calories, which can pack on the pounds and lead to obesity. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, long-term use of diet soda may also lead to obesity even though it contains no calories. Artificial sweeteners trick the brain into thinking calories are being consumed, but over time the brain catches on. This mechanism between sweetness and the brain usually helps to regulate your caloric intake. Over time, consumption of calorie-free sweetened beverages inhibits the brain relating sweet to energy. In response, your brain encourages you to eat more, which may lead to overeating and excess weight.
Other Lifestyle Factors
A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2009 found a connection between an increase in heart disease and sweetened beverages in women. Among an increase in diabetes and obesity leading to heart disease, researchers also observed other lifestyle habits that can contribute to heart disease. Researchers conducting this study noted that participants drinking sweetened beverages were also likely to eat an unhealthy diet, specifically a diet high in saturated and trans fats, both which can contribute to heart disease.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks: Whats the Best Choice?
- ABC News: Soda's Link to Heart Risk Likely Lifestyle Related; Dan Childs; 2007
- American Diabetes Association: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increase Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugary Soft Drinks and Type 2 Diabetes
- American Heart Association: Obesity Information
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women; Teresa T Fung, et al.; 2009
