As a growing body of research has found problems, the once-healthy diet soft drinks are now being questioned.
A study has revealed that regular and diet soft drinks result in higher levels of insulin, measured by saliva.
It’s bad news for those who believe that their favorite drinks, such as Diet Coke or Zero Sugar Fanta, are healthier alternatives.
Medical News Today reported that Karen Z. Berg, a dietitian, was not surprised by the fact that both diet and regular sodas increased insulin levels one hour after consumption.
Berg, who wasn’t involved in the study, said: “While diet sodas were heavily promoted for weight loss and improved blood sugar control, it seems that more and more studies are proving the opposite.”
Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, conducted a small experiment with 15 healthy individuals to test the effects of diet sodas, regular sodas, mineral waters with artificial sweeteners, and plain water.
Researchers collected saliva samples and analyzed them for insulin, aspartame, and alpha-amylase levels.
Aspartame was detected in the saliva samples for a long period. This shows that the artificial sweetener remains in the body for an extended period.
Researchers also found that salivary levels of insulin increased when regular and diet soft drinks were consumed. They noted that salivary insulin levels may correlate with insulin blood levels.
Medical News Today reported that Dr. Brian Black is an osteopathic doctor in Greencastle, Indiana. He said, “Insulin releases are essential for blood sugar regulation, cell metabolism, and muscular growth.”
Black said that high insulin levels could lead to weight gain, as they promote fat deposition. They can also increase cardiovascular risks due to hypertension or atherosclerosis.
Black stated that “high and inappropriate long-term exposure to insulin can lead to… retinopathy [eye disease], erectile dysfunction, neuropathy (neuropathy), kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke.”
Black stated that “certainly, additional studies are required to confirm data regarding direct health measures.” Black noted that health messages should make it clear that replacing sugary drinks with aspartame-containing beverages could have negative health effects.
The latest study published in Food Research International adds more evidence to the argument that diet sodas and other foods containing artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, may be harmful.
A leaked World Health Organisation report set off a flurry of controversy earlier this year when it revealed aspartame could soon be classified as a “potential carcinogen” or cancer-causing substance.
The WHO published new guidelines in May warning people not to use sweeteners that aren’t sugar for weight loss. They revealed they could do more harm than good.
