Recent research suggests that drinking Diet Coke and similar beverages containing artificial sweeteners could increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.
While the exact cause remains unclear, experts believe the artificial sweeteners may trigger inflammation and affect metabolism, gut health, and blood vessels. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health warn that these sweeteners may also contribute to conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Dr. Ningjian Wang, a researcher at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, cautioned, “Don’t assume that low-calorie, artificially sweetened drinks are healthy. They may pose significant health risks.”
The link between artificially sweetened drinks like Diet Coke and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke has been largely attributed to aspartame, one of the main ingredients used in these drinks.
A study by the University of California, Irvine found that people who consumed the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners had a 9% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 18% greater risk of stroke. According to the American Heart Association, drinking two or more liters of artificially sweetened beverages each week is linked to a higher risk of irregular heartbeat.
Dr. Elizabeth H. Dineen, a cardiologist at UC Irvine, emphasized, “Avoiding added artificial sugars makes sense, and this study supports that advice.”
Aspartame, a widely used sweetener in Diet Coke and other beverages, has been linked to a higher risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than regular sugar and has been approved by the FDA for general use since 1996. However, it is not without controversy. The World Health Organization acknowledges potential effects but calls for more studies on the long-term impact of aspartame consumption.
The FDA maintains that aspartame is safe for the general public when consumed within approved limits. However, the agency notes that individuals with a rare genetic disorder, phenylketonuria, should avoid aspartame as it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that can be harmful to them.
Despite the FDA’s approval, some studies have raised concerns about the potential cancer risk associated with aspartame. A 2022 study found that people who consumed more aspartame had a slightly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. However, experts agree that the exact amount of aspartame needed to increase cancer risk is still unclear.
Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein cautioned that even moderate consumption of artificially sweetened drinks can have negative health consequences. “Drinking two or more artificially sweetened beverages a day may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke,” she told Fox News Digital.
As researchers continue to explore the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners, the message is clear: moderation is key when consuming these beverages.
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