Diets high in sugar intake have long been associated with diabetes and cerebrovascular disease, both of which increase the risk of stroke and dementia. Many turn to diet drinks in an effort to decrease sugar and calorie intake. Is it better to exchange sugar-sweetened beverages with artificially-sweetened beverages?
A study in the journal, Stroke concluded that it is not! The study examined research from the 1998–2001 portion of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort, which began in 1971 with 5,124 volunteers. The participants of the study responded to a questionnaire which gathered information regarding the consumption of fruit juice, noncarbonated sugar-sweetened fruit drinks, and artificially sweetened soft drinks. The researchers then compared the beverage consumption to a 10-year risk of stroke and dementia. The conclusion? Artificially-sweetened soft drink consumption was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and dementia. When diabetes was identified, the association between artificially-sweetened beverage intake and dementia and stroke risk was even higher. This may be because diabetics consume more diet beverages than non-diabetics. Nonetheless, even those without diabetes, had a higher risk of stroke and dementia. Also, participants with hypertension who consumed artificially sweetened drinks had an elevated risk of stroke and dementia.
It is not unusual for individuals to consume artificially-sweetened beverages in an attempt to improve their diet or because they have diabetes. Unfortunately, this study and other large health studies, such as The Nurse’s Health Study, show that the diabetes and cerebrovascular risk actually increase with their consumption.
Simply put, diet soda is simply not a healthy choice. Stick to purified water. And if you crave the fizz, try sparkling water. There are many flavors available for variety. Or, you can make your own fresh, fun combinations like pineapple basil or cucumber mint. Cheers!