Whereas diet soda While this might be more tempting than regular soda if you’re on a diet, know that it can be just as harmful. In this age where the internet is buzzing with fake news and more information than we need is easily available to us, differentiating between what is actually true and what is not is a big task. The abundance of conflicting health advice can be confusing, making it difficult to differentiate between beneficial options and harmful ones. So, whatever diet soda you take during your diet may cause more harm than good.

Many of us are aware of the side effects of regular soda, however, anything related to diet catches our attention. You must read and understand what the product preaches, even if it says DIET on it! Plus, one look at the product label may change your perception of diet soda forever. artificial sweeteners Soda in the diet can cause increased blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially leading to diabetic shock for those already diagnosed. diabetesAnd even if you don’t have diabetes, you’re still not completely in the clear.

To dig deeper, we talk to experts who share interesting facts and details about Hidden dangers of diet soda,

Choosing between diet and regular soda According to Dr Bhavana Garg, senior consultant, dietitian and nutritionist at Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital Kaushambi, it is more complicated than just comparing calorie levels.

“The high sugar content of regular soda increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart diseaseHowever, despite being calorie-free, diet soda may be irritating metabolism Due to artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners can disrupt hunger signals and increase cravings, Dr. Garg says, making them potentially dangerous in the long run.

Highlighting the risks associated with both types of soda, Dr. Garg says, “Both regular and diet drinks pose health concerns but in different ways. are regular soda high in sugarWhich significantly contributes to weight gain and chronic diseases like diabetes. On the other hand, diet soda may seem like low calorie alternative, but artificial sweeteners can disrupt metabolic processes, resulting in overeating and potential gastrointestinal health problems. Neither option is a healthy option.”

Dr. Garg also points to a link between diet soda and serious health risks. “Diet soda has been linked to the development type 2 diabetes And heart disease. “Research shows that just one serving of artificially sweetened beverage per day is associated with an 8-13% higher risk of type 2 diabetes,” she explains.

Reena Popatani, clinical dietitian and diabetes educator, and founder of ReNurture, echoes these concerns. She says diet soda, although popular among individuals looking to reduce sugar and calorie intake, also has significant health concerns that may make it more harmful than regular soda.

Popatani explains, “Diet soda does not offer any nutritional benefits. For example, a typical 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains no calories, sugar, fat, or protein—just a small amount of sodium. While these statistics may seem attractive, the absence of nutrients means that diet soda makes no beneficial contributions to your overall health.

“Many studies have linked diet soda to various health risks,” says Popatani. “Frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Diet soda may also interfere with insulin responses, potentially contributing to weight gain and insulin resistance. Cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, coronary heart disease and stroke, have also been linked to long-term consumption.

Popatani elaborates on the metabolic effects: “Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can confuse the body by triggering hunger hormones and altering taste receptors. This disruption can lead to overeating as the brain struggles to process the lack of actual sugar despite the sweet taste. Some studies suggest that these sweeteners may also trigger dopamine responses similar to sugar, increasing cravings and hunger.

“Diet sodas are loaded with artificial sweeteners, colors, and other additives,” warns Popatani. “Sweeteners like erythritol, which is often used as a sugar alcohol, have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Other sugar substitutes, like stevia and agave, can also trick the body into craving more sugar.

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