When you think of diet drinks, sodas and other beverages that are sweetened with zero-calorie artificial sweeteners such as saccharin (Sweet'N Low®, Necta Sweet®), sucralose (Splenda®) or aspartame (Equal®, NutraSweet®) likely come to mind. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, these diet drinks are preferable to soft drinks that contain sugar, but they are not as safe as plain, calorie-free water. Several low- or no-calorie beverages also can be labeled diet drinks.
Diet Soda
The Mayo Clinic says the moderate consumption of diet soda (one or two cans daily) won't cause any harm. In fact, some diet sodas are fortified with minerals and vitamins. The Mayo Clinic says there is no scientific proof to support claims that the various artificial sweeteners in diet soda are cancer-causing agents.
Coffee and Tea
Harvard University says both coffee and tea make excellent diet drinks. Not only are they calorie free, but they are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids (antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects). Harvard recommends a maximum of three or four cups of tea or coffee daily.
Green Tea
When it comes to selecting tea, green tea stands out because of the attention it has garnered for its possible role in guarding against heart disease. In addition, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says green tea has been used in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers, including breast and stomach cancers. Green tea also has been mentioned as having cholesterol-lowering effects and showing effectiveness as a weight loss aid.
Milk
Harvard says low-fat (skim, 1 percent or 1.5 percent) milk is a reduced-calorie beverage that is practically fat free. Not only is milk an excellent source of calcium, it also contains proteins and essential micronutrients. However, low-fat milk should be consumed in moderation. Harvard says excessive consumption of milk has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian and prostate cancers.
Water
According to Harvard, good old-fashioned tap water is the ultimate diet drink because it is calorie free, inexpensive, satisfies your thirst and re-hydrates your system. Water restores bodily fluids that are lost during breathing, sweating, metabolism and the excretion of waste.
Outlook
Though your taste buds may not agree, Harvard says your body would be completely satisfied if you drank water exclusively. In reality, people enjoy a variety of diet drinks. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking sparkling water or adding a splash of cranberry juice or a squirt of lemon to your tap water.
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