QuickCheck: Are 'sugar-free' carbonated drinks healthier?

Sugar is a universal weak-spot. This is especially true when attempting to lose weight. Many crave for and succumb to the temptation of a sugary snack or a carbonated drink every now and again.

Understandably, many beverage brands have released a range of “zero”, “sugar free” or “diet” products using alternatives to sugar, and marketed them as healthier options to their predecessors.

With these products, have our worries about staying healthy been finally put to rest?

VERDICT:

FALSE

"Zero" carbonated drinks, also known as diet or sugar-free carbonated drinks, are marketed as a healthier alternative to their sugar-sweetened counterparts.

They contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, to provide the sweet taste without the added calories from sugar.

Drinking a reasonable amount of diet soda a day, such as a can or two, isn't likely to hurt you as the artificial sweeteners and other chemicals currently used in diet soda are safe for most people, and there's no credible evidence that these ingredients cause cancer.

Additionally, some types of diet soda are even fortified with vitamins and minerals.

However, diet soda is not a health drink or a silver bullet for weight loss.

Research has linked the consumption of artificially sweetened drinks to various health issues, such as weight gain, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, carbonated drinks, whether sugar-free or not, are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to tooth decay.

Some studies have also linked regular consumption of carbonated drinks to a higher risk of bone fractures and kidney damage.

As a whole, while “zero” carbonated drinks may be a better option than sugary drinks for those looking to reduce their calorie or sugar intake, it is important to consume them in moderation and to consider other healthier beverage options such as water, unsweetened tea, or low-fat milk.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/diet-soda/faq-20057855

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/negative-effects-sugarfree-carbonated-drinks-9939.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zero-weight-loss-from-zero-calorie-drinks-say-it-aint-so-2021032222204

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936