Soda Vs Soda Without Sugar Diet, Which Is Safer For The Body?

JAKARTA - For many people who want to reduce sugar but still enjoy soft drinks, sugarless soda and soda (zero sugar) is often considered a safer choice. At first glance, both of them sound similar, because they are both without low sugar and calories. But is it true that the two are the same? Which one is actually better for health?

Reporting from the Verywell Health page, the sugarless soda and soda diet is almost the same. Both replace sugar with artificial sweeteners such as aspartam, sukralosa, or asesulfam-K.

Diet soda was already present and marketed as a low-calorie alternative for regular soda. Sugarless soda has emerged recently, usually claimed to have a taste that looks more like real soda. In terms of sugar and calories content, the two are almost identical, which is very low and even zero.

Because they do not contain sugar, these two drinks do not immediately increase blood sugar levels. However, research shows that artificial sweeteners can still affect the body's metabolism in the long term.

Some studies found that routine consumption of artificial sweeteners could disrupt insulin response and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. That is, even though it is not sweet from sugar, the effect still needs to be watched out for if consumed every day. Diet soda and soda without sugar are both not completely safe if drunk too often.

Both a diet of soda and soda without sugar remains acidic. The content of phosphic acid or citric acid in it can erode the enamel of teeth, making the teeth more sensitive and easily damaged.

Although it does not cause cavities due to sugar, the risk of tooth damage persists if consumed regularly. Both are at risk for dental health.

Several studies attributed the consumption of low-calorie sod drinks to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. This is thought to be related to the effect of artificial sweeteners on inflammation, blood vessels, and electrolyte balance. To date, there is no strong evidence that sugarless soda is safer for the heart than a diet soda.

Many people choose soda without sugar because it tastes more like real soda. However, this taste can actually trigger more drinking desire or return to sugary soda. Diet soda tends to have a lighter taste, so that some people consume it more controlled.

If you have to choose between a diet of soda and soda without sugar, the answer is nothing really healthier. Both contain artificial sweeteners, are acidic, have almost no nutritional value, and have the potential to cause health effects if consumed excessively. The difference is more in taste and marketing strategy, not health benefits.

Wiser Consumption Tips

- Drink occasionally, not every day

- Don't use it as a substitute for water

- Pay attention to body reactions (convexness, stomach pain, headaches)

- Balance it with more natural drinks

If you want fresh drinks without excess sugar, try cold water, fresh soda (sparkling water), sugarless tea, fruit infused water, and coconut water without additional sugar.