Diet cola promises zero calories, achieved by using artificial sweeteners.
According to a recently published small study of 15 healthy individuals, it was found that the insulin levels in saliva shoot up an hour after consuming both diet and regular cola.
Coke and other sodas are high in sugar and calories. Therefore, people avoid consuming these sugary items and replace them with diet cola believing that they do not possess sugar or calories. However, the truth is far from the same. The consumption of diet cola is equally unhealthy, especially for the blood sugar levels of the human body.
According to a recently published small study of 15 healthy individuals, it has been found that the insulin levels in saliva shoot up an hour after consuming both diet and regular cola. Moreover, the study also discovered that diet cola led to the secretion of artificial sweeteners, aspartame in the saliva.
Shedding light on the same, Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman of endocrinology and diabetes at Max Healthcare, says, “The study doesn’t prove anything. For years now, researchers have been trying to develop saliva-based insulin tests because the current tests need a needle prick. However, they are not as accurate as blood tests.”
Diet Colas Lead To Sugar Spikes
Diet soft drinks come with the promise of zero calories and artificial sweeteners, usually aspartame. This artificial sweetener does not increase blood glucose levels, thereby, no insulin secretion to control it. Dr Mithal says that there is enough evidence proving that some of the artificial sweeteners may result in increased insulin resistance.
Which Is Better – Diet Or Regular Colas?
Many people may not be aware of the fact that regular cola contains an extremely high amount of sugar but diet cola promises zero calories achieved by using artificial sweeteners. Dr Mithal says, “People tend to drink diet colas more because they think they are consuming fewer calories. However, this can lead to long-term negative consequences, including insulin resistance and diabetes. Artificial sweeteners are intensely sweet, much more than sugar. So, they make normal sweets taste paler and make you crave for more.”
For those dealing with diabetes or are obese, diet cola would be a better choice. For others, a regular cola can be consumed once in a while. However, no cola is a good choice when it comes to maintaining a healthy body.