The success of sugar-free or low-sugar carbonated drinks is undeniable. According to the Institut des Mamans (IDM Families), 41% of children and 60% of French adults drink it, including almost 25% at least once a week. While excess sugar and alcohol are out of the question, drinking light drinks gives you a clear conscience without having to change your habits. But it’s a trap: these foods are false health allies, as explained by Dr. Jimmy Mohamed, GP, author of Zero Stress, First of All, Changes Nothing! published by Flammarion.
Why don’t you advise drinking zero or diet sodas?
Dr. JIMMY MOHAMED. At first glance, these drinks seem interesting because they contain sweeteners that contain no calories and whose sweetening power is higher than that of regular table sugar (sucrose). But there is no evidence that they can promote weight loss. In addition, their impact on health does not seem negligible. A US study published in late August in the journal Cell has just shown for the first time that these fake sugars are harmful to humans, even at levels below the maximum recommended doses. Until now, studies questioning their safety have been conducted on mice. The researchers’ results are stunning: In just 21 days, consumption of sweeteners disrupts blood sugar regulation, eventually leading to insulin resistance and significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. By tricking the brain, these fake sugars activate the reward circuitry. but they do not stimulate the production of the satiety hormone (leptin). Suddenly, they start eating more, which has the opposite effect.
Do they cause other harm to health?
All sweeteners, even natural stevia, disrupt the gut microbiota, a role known to extend beyond digestion. Its imbalance has been linked to infections, inflammatory diseases, and apparently even some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. It also contributes to the development of diabetes and obesity. Therefore, light drinks should be avoided at all costs. It’s not carte blanche, of course, to eat real sugar. A cube of sugar in his coffee is fine…unless you’re downing ten a day or on a chaotic diet.
What about low-alcohol wine or beer?
For non-drinkers, they can become a gateway to alcohol consumption. And for drinkers, they do not really help with withdrawal syndrome, as they support the craving for alcoholic beverages. These foods also provide unnecessary calories. Therefore, it is preferable to do without it. If you want to drink occasionally, allow yourself a small glass of classic wine or beer, but no more than two a day. And not every day!
Source: Le Parisien
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