Nutritionists worldwide have always emphasized healthy eating and drinking habits. However, with the advent of modern lifestyles and the fast-food industry, consuming food and beverages that are high in sugar and fats has become a norm.

Soft drinks, in particular, have been called out as the primary culprits of various lifestyle diseases and health concerns such as obesity and diabetes. The alternative to these sugary drinks has been the introduction of so-called “light” or “diet” drinks, which promise to be healthier options.

But, are these light soft drinks actually beneficial to our health? Let’s find out.

What Are Light Soft Drinks?

Light soft drinks are alternatives to the conventional soft drinks that are high in sugar and calories.

They are marketed as sugar-free or low-calorie drinks and have artificial sweeteners that replace the sugar content to give the beverages a sweet taste. These artificial sweeteners have either low or no calories, which makes the drink a healthier option for those trying to cut down their sugar and calorie intake.

Are Light Soft Drinks Really Healthier?

There are conflicting arguments on whether or not light soft drinks are healthy. On the one hand, they have fewer calories and less sugar than their regular counterparts, which is a plus.

According to an American Heart Association report, reducing sugar-sweetened beverages’ consumption can help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and lower the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, light soft drinks have been linked to helping people lose weight.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that individuals who replaced sugar-sweetened soda with light drinks experienced greater weight loss during a 12-week period.

On the other hand, artificial sweeteners, which are used to replace the sugar content in light soft drinks, may have negative health implications.

One of the most popular sweeteners, aspartame, can lead to headaches, depression, and gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, other studies have found links between artificial sweeteners and obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes.

What Are the Risks of Drinking Light Soft Drinks?

Although light soft drinks are marketed as healthier alternatives, they are not without their health risks.

For starters, the artificial sweeteners used in light soft drinks can have negative health implications, and some research has suggested that they may increase your risk of certain diseases. Some risks of drinking light soft drinks include:.

1. Increased Risk of Obesity

Artificial sweeteners can affect your body’s metabolic rate, leading to an increased risk of obesity.

A study conducted by the Imperial College in London found that participants who consumed light soft drinks had a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and were more likely to develop obesity than those who consumed regular drinks.

2. Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking light soft drinks increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 67%.

The study also found that consuming regular soft drinks was linked to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, as expected.

3. Dental Health Concerns

Light soft drinks contain high levels of acidity, which can erode your teeth’s enamel, leading to dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases, and tooth decay.

What Are the Alternatives to Light Soft Drinks?

If you’re looking for healthier drink options, there are a variety to choose from that are low in sugar and calories, and free from artificial sweeteners. These include:.

1. Water

Water is the healthiest drink to hydrate your body. It doesn’t contain any calories, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, and is essential for your overall health and wellbeing.

2. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are a healthy and flavorful alternative. They are low in calories, contain antioxidants, and can help reduce inflammation. Examples of herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and green tea.

3. Freshly Squeezed Juices

Drinking freshly squeezed juices, particularly those with citrus such as oranges and lemons, is a great way to boost your immune system and consume vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Light soft drinks are marketed as healthier alternatives to regular soft drinks.

However, the artificial sweeteners used in these drinks can have negative health implications and increase your risk of certain diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. As such, drinking water, herbal teas, and freshly squeezed juices are better alternatives to light soft drinks if you’re looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing.