Reaching for a diet or zero-calorie soft drink instead of the full-fat version actually does more harm than good.
Researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that opting for drinks flavoured with low calorie sweeteners doesn’t curb our craving for sugar.
The team of scientists looked over data from a US study of 5,158 adults over a seven-year period. Their conclusions were published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, where they explained that individuals who opt for sugar-free alternatives are setting themselves up for a downfall.
‘Consumers of artificial sweeteners do not reduce their overall intake of sugar,’ Professor Peter Clifton, lead author of the research, explained.
‘They use both sugar and low-calorie sweeteners and may psychologically feel they can indulge in their favourite foods.’
The scientists warn that the popularity of these zero-calorie drinks are increasing under the illusion of health and that consuming them regularly could contribute to developing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
‘There has been a 200 per cent increase in LCS usage among children and a 54 per cent increase among adults in the past 20 years,’ Professor Clifton said.
Nobody is saying that diet soft drinks shouldn’t be enjoyed, just that it should be in moderation.
‘A better option than low-calorie sweeteners is to stick to a healthy diet, which includes plenty of whole grains, dairy, seafood, legumes, vegetables and fruits and plain water,’ Professor Clifton advised.
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