The zero, light, and diet soft drinks have become the first choice of many people who are trying to lose weight. However, contrary to popular belief, the alternative to the traditional version of the beverage is far from being a less healthy option - and there are many studies that prove this statement.

Zero, diet, and light drinks have sweetener instead of sugar, which reduces the calories and the glycemic index of the beverage. However, such liquids are nutritionally empty, i.e., they have no vitamins, minerals, and no benefits whatsoever. In addition, the high concentration of chemical additives can be harmful to health and to the proper functioning of the body.

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Although it does not contain calories A research published in the scientific journal American Journal of Geriatrics Society followed a group of Americans for nine years and found that those who consumed sugar-free soft drinks had, at the end of the period, a abdominal circumference than those who opted for other types of refreshment.

The logic works as follows: a food that is low in calories, but industrialized, will be insignificant with respect to caloric intake, but can cause a series of other health problems that would not appear with a natural food, sometimes more caloric, but which makes the body function properly - and this is one of the factors that ensure the maintenance orweight reduction.

The Johns Hopkins University, in the United States, found, by analyzing data from more than 23,000 people, that the overweight and obese portion of the population drank more diet soda and zero soda than the fit volunteers. The group also swallowed more solid food - and, it seems, there is a link between binge eating and soda drinking. The evidence suggests that the sweeteners In other words, abusing the cans can whet your appetite and, in the end, add pounds to the scales.

Another study, this time from the University of Illinois, also in the United States, came to the conclusion that those who opt for zero soda in the intention of reducing the number of calories ingested during the day end up extrapolating on the sugar during meals. sweeteners Artificial foods trigger the desire for sweeter and sweeter foods, causing the brain to make less healthy and more caloric choices over time.

Therefore, juices, teas, water - whatever is natural - are always better for the diet than any soda.

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Diet, zero or light?

In practice, almost nothing changes between the three versions.

Diet

Created for those who have restrictions to a certain nutrient, the drink must contain less than 0.5% of it in its composition. In the case of soft drinks, the molecule removed is sugar.

Zero

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) recognizes the term as a synonym for diet. Its use, therefore, is more related to commercial appeal.

Light

According to the legislation, every light product presents a reduction of at least 25% of some nutrient in relation to the original. In soft drinks, the target is sugar. Most of the time, it is totally extracted.

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