"Are diet drinks making us eat more?"
Now, I am not really one for a conspiracy theory, but this I found very interesting. Recent research (fairly unbiased research at that) has discovered that there may be a link between sugar replacements, and a higher appetite. They have proven that the brain can recognise sugar, and also recognise the energy that it provides your body, and therefore helps you to feel full after consuming it. But, when the body consumes a sugar replacement, it does not feel satisfied, and therefore tells the body that it is hungry.
This test went further and got two groups of footballers together. One group was given sugary drinks, and the other was given sugar-replacement drinks. They were then provided with two tables of food (obviously seperate from eachother) both with identical foods and were told to eat their fill, being sure that everything taken from the table had to be consumed. At the end of this, it was discovered that the group of sugar-replacement drinkers consumed on average 120 calories MORE than the other group.
This is all quite logical to me. The body needs energy to function, sugar provides energy and therefore requires less energy from other sources. Also, the worst of the sugar-replacements was found to be aspartame. This chemical is NOT found naturally ANYWHERE in nature, unlike many other sweeteners.
So, with evidence that sugar-replacements encourage us to eat more, could it be that fast food outlets are encouraging the consumption of diet drinks, or maybe even putting them into ALL of their drinks? Just a bit of food for thought.
With commonsense and logic at the front of my mind, it seems to me, that for the healthiest outcome we should consume sugar if we want something sweet. And, if we are trying to lower our energy consumption, we should look to WATER and not pretend to care by drinking diet drinks. The sad truth is though that people are addicted to their sweet poisons, and will do anything to keep them, even drinking harsh chemicals that do them no good. Do yourselves a favour, and replace one drink a day with water. you will notice the difference. And that way, you can have those calories in some other form... LIKE CAKE!
Please, let me know if you have noticed this diet dilemma or have other information on this interesting topic.
-T.J.
I have to agree with you on this one (T.J.), I find it so ironic that in this day and age where everyone is pushing for foods that contain no artificial colors or preservatives that there is still such a strong emphasis placed on the use of artificial sweeteners.
ReplyDeleteSugar is totally natural and hence is easily utilized by the body, but these artificial chemicals that are used to replace the sugar are harder to break down and in some cases can even be carcinogenic!
I totally agree also that if you are concerned about your sugar consumption cut out the sugar and have water instead or shock horror, get off your bum and exercise!
I have to agree that diet drinks are likely to make you eat more. Our bodies need energy to survive & carbohydrates & proteins are the main providers of this energy. Artificial sweeteners do not provide the body with any energy & thus the brain wants us to get it elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI can also see how it would be financially expedient for fast food companies to encourage us to buy more of their foods & if that means selling diet drinks then why not ?
Although there is no concrete evidence to corroborate my ideas, I believe that artificial sweeteners are VERY bad for our bodies.
Exercise & moderation in our diet is a healthier way to live.