Calorie intake has increased over the last 20 years and the majority of the increase comes from snacks and beverages. Regular soda is a prime source of extra calories that can contribute to weight gain. Substituting diet soda in place of regular soda can directly influence calorie intake, because diet soda uses artificial sweeteners and provides zero calories. Switching from sugar-sweetened soft drinks to diet drinks cuts calories and assist with weight control. However the internet is abuzz with horror stories of artificial sweeteners causing everything from cancer to obesity in humans. To date, the FDA has not been presented with scientific information that would support a change in conclusions about the safety of the five approved artificial sweeteners (saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, and acesulfame potassium). The safe conclusions are based on a detailed review of a large body of information, including hundreds of toxicological and clinical studies. So is diet soda better than regular soda pop? If you are trying to control your calorie intake, then definitely, yes, it is better.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.