According to a research by Wells Fargo there has been a drop in the diet soda sales by 7% this year. If this decline in sales is something to go by, then it seems like people are catching that it isn’t zero calorie after all.
On contrary to the popular belief that diet soda leads to zero gain, it actually leads to weight gain. This theory was presented by researchers at the American Diabetes Association’s(ADA) Scientific Sessions in 2011. One reason could be the artificial sweeteners that not only trick your taste buds but also your brain. When you eat something sweet, body anticipates loads of calories and starts metabolizing the already circulating sugar into fat presuming that the incoming sugar can be used as energy. But since the diet soda fails to deliver that extra sugar, you feel drained as well as yearning for a high-sugar snack.
Other reason could be psychological. The diet soda zero calorie belief messes the calorie consumption for the day. You may end up overeating to just complete the daily calorie consumption target or because you feel unsatisfied.
Another study by the University of Texas Health Science Center found that drinking more than one can a day led to increase in waistlines by 500%.
Diet sodas contain preservatives that are usually not present in regular sodas – sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate, they fatally damage the DNA in the mitochondria making them dormant. Other potential side effects include tooth decay, reproductive problems and kidney functioning issues.
Hence, if you are trying to lose weight then staying away from diet soda is the right decision. Thirst pangs are better cured by water than diet soda. Artificial sweeteners even though zero calorie or low calorie are unhealthy.