Many people switch from regular soda consumption to diet soda. The reason, diet soda is considered healthier than soda regular because they contain less sugar or calories. Is that right? Check out the explanation here.
Diet soda products were originally introduced in the 1950s for diabetics. However, over time these diet soda products are marketed more broadly to people who want to reduce their consumption of sugar in soda.
Diet Soda Content
Even though they are called diet sodas, that doesn't mean all diet sodas are completely free of sweeteners. Although it does not use real sugar, this drink still uses artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, or sucralose. This artificial sweetener is even said to be 200–13,000 times sweeter than regular sugar. you know.
In addition to artificial sweeteners, diet sodas generally contain the following ingredients:
- Carbonated water, namely carbon dioxide dissolved in pressurized water.
- Citric, malic and phosphoric acids for added tartness.
- Colorants, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and caramel.
- Flavors, both natural and artificial, such as fruit and spice flavours.
- Preservatives, such as potassium benzoate.
Some diet sodas also have added vitamins and minerals to make them healthier.
Health Risks Associated with Diet Soda Consumption
Basically, the habit of consuming beverages that contain sweeteners, both real and artificial, can cause various health risks. now, below are some of the health risks that can occur if you consume too much diet soda:
1. Obesity
Eating diet soda is said to increase appetite due to the content of artificial sweeteners. The reason is, the artificial sweeteners in diet soda can trigger a dopamine response in the brain and stimulate hunger.
When consumed in large quantities and for a long period of time, this can increase your risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This risk will be higher if the consumption of diet soda is accompanied by an unhealthy diet.
2. Chronic kidney disease
The high phosphorus content in diet soda makes the acid load on the kidneys even higher. In the long term, this condition can impair kidney function and increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
3. Stroke
Fizzy drinks, including diet soda consumed every day, can also increase the risk of stroke. This is more at risk if people who frequently consume diet soda already have certain medical conditions, such as obesity or high blood pressure.
Given the many health risks that can occur due to excessive consumption of diet soda, we should not easily believe the claims of low sugar content in soft drinks.
Therefore, if you like or even are addicted to diet soda, try to reduce it gradually. That way, you can avoid the dangers of consuming diet soda. Instead, meet the body's daily fluid needs with healthier drinks, such as mineral water.
If you still have questions regarding the consumption of diet soda and what are the risks to your health, you can consult a doctor.
