In a recent study, researchers have found that carbonation alters how the brain perceives sweetness. Specifically, carbonation makes it harder for the brain to distinguish the difference between sugar and artificial sweeteners. Researchers used MRI to monitor changes in brain activity in response to natural and artificially sweetened carbonated beverages. The results identify a puzzling correlation with eating disorders, metabolic diseases, and obesity among diet-soda drinkers.
This study shows that the brain may not be able to tell the difference between artificial and natural sugar. The positive side of this is that diet drinks could be indistinguishable from regular in regards to sugar. This could be good for those who are trying to lose weight and cut down on carbs. However, a negative side is that the combination of carbonation and sugar may stimulate the increase of sugar and food consumption. If the brain perceives less sugar intake energy balance is hindered. This could explain why many diet-soda drinkers have metabolic diseases or obesity. More research is needed to determine the link between diet soda drinkers and obesity.
For birthdays and special occasions, soda drink may be the norm, but daily consumption of carbonated drinks can be harmful. Water is a much better substitute. If you need that cola every day, try to gradually decrease the amount. Soda is full of sugar and contains little nutritional value and is of little benefit for you or your health.
