Just a quick note on diet versus regular soda. I get patients in all the time who are concerned that drinking diet soda with artificial sweetener (namely aspartame) poses more of a health risk than drinking regular soda. Here is my take on this:
1. Regular soda is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and in spite of the recent commercials (paid for by the corn company) HFCS is metabolized differently and studies show that it contributes to greater weight gain and medical complications than traditional sugar (sucrose). It also contains calories and will increase blood sugar rapidly (a big danger for diabetics).
2. Diet soda is sweetened with aspartame, a non-nutrative (so no calories) FDA approved sweetener. Studies have shown that sweeteners like aspartame DO NOT (as rumor has it) contribute to weight gain by promoting increased hunger. There is also no evidence that they cause cancer or are harmful in any way.
In conclusion, if you are diabetic….drink DIET! If you are trying to lose weight…drink DIET! If you drink 2 liters a day…drink DIET! If you are a healthy active individual who drinks the occasional 12oz can of soda and you prefer regular, go for it. And finally…if you would rather bypass this debate and stay “natural” without worrying about sweeteners, HFCS, or sugar (since some sodas are going back to the old days of regular sugar)…drink WATER!
Amen!
How do “throwback” sodas, or sodas sweetened with sugar, factor into this post? Thanks!
Sugar is obviously a more natural sweetener than either aspartame or HFCS, and an argument can be made that it is therefor healthier. Sugar is definitely a better choice than HFCS for healthy individuals looking to indulge in the occasional soda, so that would be my pick of the two. That said, sugar will still increase blood sugar rapidly and sodas that contain either HFCS or regular sugar should be avoided by diabetics and those looking to lose weight. In the end, water is still the best choice.