For years, many people have chosen diet sodas as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, believing they offer the same great taste without the extra calories. Whether for weight management or general well-being, diet soda has been marketed as a smarter choice.
However, new research is challenging that perception, suggesting that these beverages may not be as harmless as they seem. A recent study has found a potential link between diet fizzy drinks consumption and cardiovascular issues, raising questions about whether switching to this ‘healthier’ alternative really means choosing the better option.
Researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and China’s Shandong University studied the the potential health risks associated with aspartame, a common artificial sweetener found in diet beverages like Diet Coke by conducting experiments on mice to investigate aspartame’s effects.
In the study, 12 mice were divided into two groups: one consumed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet with 0.15 per cent aspartame. This amount is double the concentration permitted in human beverages. Meanwhile, the other group received a diet containing 15 per cent regular sugar.
After 12 weeks, the aspartame-fed mice exhibited increased atherosclerosis in the aorta, the body’s largest artery.
Atherosclerosis is a long-term condition characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This buildup can constrict the arteries, limiting blood flow and oxygen supply to organs and tissues. It is the leading cause of heart disease.
Aside from increased atherosclerosis, aspartame-fed mice also exhibited elevated insulin levels, which are often linked to type 2 diabetes.
Lead researcher Professor Yihai Cao noted, ‘We show that aspartame consumption stimulates insulin release and contributes to atherosclerosis in mice.’
He continued, ‘It’s just an animal study, but we think the results may also be relevant for humans because we see that aspartame affects insulin release in monkeys as well.’
However, the study acknowledged limitations, including the use of mice predisposed to atherosclerosis, making it challenging to directly apply the results to humans. Professor Cao highlighted the complexities of conducting human studies due to variables like diet, age, gender, and lifestyle, all of which can influence insulin response.
While this research adds to the ongoing debate about artificial sweeteners and health, experts advise caution in interpreting the results as further studies are necessary to fully understand aspartame’s impact on human health.
Do you have any health-related experiences in drinking diet beverages? Share them with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Also read: The cheesy trick to save your teeth from Diet Coke damage
Yes. I hate the taste of diet soft drinks. To me they taste like poison and I have always avoided them.
There has been discussions for a long time on whether the Sugar replacements are a Healthy replacement or have their own different Health Risks !!