Experts Warn of Health Risks from Excessive Diet Soda Consumption
Following reports that President Donald Trump believes diet soda kills cancer cells because it kills grass, health experts clarify the actual impacts of artificial sweeteners. While Dr. Mehmet Oz declined to engage with the claim, medical professionals emphasize that diet soda is not a health beverage. Registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto and Dr. Adam Perlman explain that although artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are safe in moderation, excessive consumption poses significant risks. High intake, such as the 30-40 cans daily admitted by rapper Fat Joe, is linked to altered gut bacteria, reduced insulin sensitivity, and increased systemic inflammation. These metabolic changes can elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by affecting glucose metabolism and cholesterol levels. Experts note that while diet soda avoids the high-fructose corn syrup found in regular soda, it still triggers sweet taste receptors, potentially confusing the body's calorie expectations. Consequently, monitoring intake is crucial, as no artificial sweetener is considered genuinely healthy, though plant-based options like monk fruit may have less impact on the gut microbiome.
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Experts Warn of Health Risks from Excessive Diet Soda Consumption
Following reports that President Donald Trump believes diet soda kills cancer cells because it kills grass, health experts clarify the actual impacts of artificial sweeteners. While Dr. Mehmet Oz declined to engage with the claim, medical professionals emphasize that diet soda is not a health beverage. Registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto and Dr. Adam Perlman explain that although artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia are safe in moderation, excessive consumption poses significant risks. High intake, such as the 30-40 cans daily admitted by rapper Fat Joe, is linked to altered gut bacteria, reduced insulin sensitivity, and increased systemic inflammation. These metabolic changes can elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by affecting glucose metabolism and cholesterol levels. Experts note that while diet soda avoids the high-fructose corn syrup found in regular soda, it still triggers sweet taste receptors, potentially confusing the body's calorie expectations. Consequently, monitoring intake is crucial, as no artificial sweetener is considered genuinely healthy, though plant-based options like monk fruit may have less impact on the gut microbiome.
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