0
0
Sugar-free lemonade has long had a reputation as the “healthy” alternative to sugary varieties.
Today, there are a variety of brands available – from Coke Zero to Pepsi Max to sugar-free Solo Super.
But new research is now questioning how much healthier they are, if at all.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows that people who regularly drink artificially sweetened soft drinks have up to a 43 percent higher risk of stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Not exactly the bonus you were hoping for when you reached for that can of diet soda at the supermarket.
Even though low-calorie drinks spare the body from sugar, there is some evidence that the body is not happy with them.
Sweeteners such as aspartame can disrupt blood sugar regulation and affect the taste buds, ultimately making you crave sweets even more – a bit like two steps forward and one step back.
Clinical nutritionist Amanda Wahlstedt also warns of the physical discomfort that can accompany this.
“Drinking carbonated beverages can cause stomach irritation, bloating, and heartburn,” she explained.
And that’s not all. Artificial sweeteners can also disrupt the gut microbiome, which can be particularly problematic for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
What’s the bottom line?
Sugar-free lemonade isn’t necessarily the work of the devil, but it’s certainly wise to enjoy it in moderation. Experts recommend choosing lighter alternatives such as flavored sparkling water – that way, you get the carbonation without the side effects.
- source: dagens.de/picture: Image by Ratfink1973 from Pixabay
This post has already been read 1289 times!
