Diet Soda

Consider the Following:

Fifty-nine percent of Americans report drinking diet soda on a regular basis, often to assist with weight loss goals and improve health.

Interestingly, a few recent studies actually associate diet soda intake with increased health risk.

• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that people who drink diet soda are likely to gain, not lose, weight.
• Diet soda drinkers in the Framingham Heart Study were at high risk for weight gain and symptoms of the Metabolic Syndrome, such as elevated blood sugar levels.
• Researchers at Purdue University found that rats fed artificial sweeteners gained more weight than rats fed "sugary foods."

Although this research does not prove that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, health-conscious consumers would be wise to consider these data before popping open another can of Diet Soda.

If health is important to you, you will likely want to refrain from drinking non-diet soda on a regular basis due to its sugar content, the caffeine, and the potentially adverse effects on your bones. However, enjoying a regular soda on occasion will provide you with the enjoyment of a carbonated beverage without the artificial sweeteners.

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