Coca-cola is currently funding a study proving that being overweight is caused by lack of exercise and not just soda intake. According to TIME, the non-profit organization, Global Energy Balance Network is conducting a research on this claim, saying "there's really virtually no compelling evidence" that eating processed food and drinking sugary beverages such as Coke contribute to the growing number of obesity cases in the US.
Proving otherwise, the website called Eat This, Not That! went over a research that focused on the amazing effects your body gets when you finally give up soda. Although exercise does keep you fit, being able to ditch your sugary fix apparently keeps you healthier.
Experts explained the positive effects of the absence of soda in your diet - which include healthier teeth and bones, easier weight loss, resistance to chronic diseases, and energy boost.
According to Isabel Smith, MS RD CDN, soda contains acidic and phosphoric substances that aside from triggering acid reflux, can damage the teeth and bones.
The doctor behind Isabel Smith Nutrition added that not drinking soda makes you less hungry since "artificial sweeteners affect our sense of satiety."
"Our bodies have evolutionarily developed to expect a large amount of calories when we take in something exceedingly sweet, and those artificial sweeteners are from 400 times to 8,000 times sweeter than sugar," said Smith. "With artificial sweeteners, your body says, 'Wait a minute, you told me you were going to give me all this high-calorie food.' It can actually send some people searching for more food, out of lack of satisfaction."
Smith also pointed out that although people drink caffeinated beverages, quitting these drinks ironically gives you more energy. "Drinking too much caffeine can make you dehydrated, and it can overstimulate the nervous system, making you fatigued and exhausted," she explained. "I find that when people cut back on caffeine they have more energy because the caffeine causes very big highs and lows."
Cutting back on sodas also prevents you from attaining chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Artificial sweeteners "affect our healthy gut bacteria, which can affect everything from blood-sugar control to weight management to disease-how our immune system works and how our body responds to infection," Smith added.
"When people cut back on processed items, they often look for more fresh foods and make better choices," Smith advised. "By giving up soda, it may seem like you're making one change, but it can actually change a couple aspects of your diet for the better."
