Clipping Board » Illness Enters through Mouth ─ The information that has been made public is often just the tip of the iceberg...
2013/12/23 [Taiwan New Life News / Reporter Chen Jingzhe / Taipei Report]
Soda has always been a favorite among children. The fizzy sensation and sweet taste make it hard to resist, even for adults. However, the high sugar content raises concerns about weight gain. Manufacturers have responded to market demand by using artificial sweeteners to reduce calories, claiming zero-calorie benefits to attract weight-conscious consumers. Yet, recent scientific studies suggest that while zero-calorie sodas are low in calories, they may quietly contribute to weight gain.
**Disrupting the Metabolic System**
In 2011, the American Diabetes Association reported that many people believe zero-calorie sodas aid weight loss, but the opposite may be true. Artificial sweeteners can trick the body's metabolic system, potentially leading to weight gain. This revelation caused quite a stir. According to surveys, sales of zero-calorie sodas in the U.S. dropped by 7% last year, while regular soda sales declined by 2%. Some consumers are realizing that zero-calorie sodas offer no help in weight loss.
**Increasing Absorption Capacity**
Researchers speculate that when the tongue detects the sweetness of artificial sweeteners, the brain signals the body to prepare for high-calorie intake. However, since blood sugar doesn’t rise, the body compensates by enhancing nutrient absorption from the blood, converting it into fat. Long-term consumption of zero-calorie sodas may increase the body’s ability to absorb sugar, counteracting the intended calorie-saving effect and gradually leading to weight gain. Ironically, this could be worse than occasionally drinking a regular soda, making weight loss efforts futile.
**Encouraging Overeating**
Zero-calorie sodas may also lead to overeating. While people are aware of the high calorie content in regular sodas and moderate their intake, zero-calorie sodas can lower their guard, leading to unrestrained eating. Not only does this result in excessive calorie intake, but the body’s enhanced absorption capacity due to artificial sweeteners further promotes fat storage. The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to break the soda-drinking habit altogether.
**Potential Health Risks**
Artificial sweeteners are also suspected to be neurotoxins that may damage the nervous system, causing migraines, memory decline, and even severe conditions like coma or cancer. Animal studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can disrupt the biological clock, leading to eating at inappropriate times or increased food intake. This inadvertently raises calorie consumption, offering no health benefits or weight loss effects—only potential harm.
**Expert Opinion from Taiwan**
Dr. Hong Jiande, Director of the Metabolism Department at Shutian Clinic, stated that both animal and human studies have proven artificial sweeteners ineffective for weight loss. Many people not only consume zero-calorie drinks but also add artificial sweeteners to desserts. This misleads the brain into enhancing sugar absorption, increasing calorie intake from other sources. What was meant to aid weight loss could backfire, quietly adding pounds without notice.
Source: http://mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ storypage. jsp? f_ART_ID=491186#ixzz2pfgesoHm
Artificial Sweeteners Don't Aid Weight Loss
Soda has always been a favorite among children. The fizzy sensation and sweet taste make it hard to resist, even for adults. However, the high sugar content raises concerns about weight gain. Manufacturers have responded to market demand by using artificial sweeteners to reduce calories, claiming zero-calorie benefits to attract weight-conscious consumers. Yet, recent scientific studies suggest that while zero-calorie sodas are low in calories, they may quietly contribute to weight gain.
**Disrupting the Metabolic System**
In 2011, the American Diabetes Association reported that many people believe zero-calorie sodas aid weight loss, but the opposite may be true. Artificial sweeteners can trick the body's metabolic system, potentially leading to weight gain. This revelation caused quite a stir. According to surveys, sales of zero-calorie sodas in the U.S. dropped by 7% last year, while regular soda sales declined by 2%. Some consumers are realizing that zero-calorie sodas offer no help in weight loss.
**Increasing Absorption Capacity**
Researchers speculate that when the tongue detects the sweetness of artificial sweeteners, the brain signals the body to prepare for high-calorie intake. However, since blood sugar doesn’t rise, the body compensates by enhancing nutrient absorption from the blood, converting it into fat. Long-term consumption of zero-calorie sodas may increase the body’s ability to absorb sugar, counteracting the intended calorie-saving effect and gradually leading to weight gain. Ironically, this could be worse than occasionally drinking a regular soda, making weight loss efforts futile.
**Encouraging Overeating**
Zero-calorie sodas may also lead to overeating. While people are aware of the high calorie content in regular sodas and moderate their intake, zero-calorie sodas can lower their guard, leading to unrestrained eating. Not only does this result in excessive calorie intake, but the body’s enhanced absorption capacity due to artificial sweeteners further promotes fat storage. The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to break the soda-drinking habit altogether.
**Potential Health Risks**
Artificial sweeteners are also suspected to be neurotoxins that may damage the nervous system, causing migraines, memory decline, and even severe conditions like coma or cancer. Animal studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can disrupt the biological clock, leading to eating at inappropriate times or increased food intake. This inadvertently raises calorie consumption, offering no health benefits or weight loss effects—only potential harm.
**Expert Opinion from Taiwan**
Dr. Hong Jiande, Director of the Metabolism Department at Shutian Clinic, stated that both animal and human studies have proven artificial sweeteners ineffective for weight loss. Many people not only consume zero-calorie drinks but also add artificial sweeteners to desserts. This misleads the brain into enhancing sugar absorption, increasing calorie intake from other sources. What was meant to aid weight loss could backfire, quietly adding pounds without notice.
Source: http://mag. udn. com/ mag/ life/ storypage. jsp? f_ART_ID=491186#ixzz2pfgesoHm