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SALT LAKE CITY -- More bad news has recently emerged for soda drinkers who favor zero-calorie beverages. Diet drinks may not be the health solution that they were originally celebrated to be.
A new study found a 43 percent greater risk of stroke or heart attack among people who drank a can of diet soda a day compared to people who didn't drink any. Although diet sodas have less sugar than the regular sodas, diet drinks may have some equally unhealthy side effects.
A new study found a 43 percent greater risk of stroke or heart attack for people who drank a can of diet soda a day compared to people who didn't drink any.
The study conducted by the University of Miami and Columbia University followed more than 2500 people over a 10 year period. Of these people, 591 men and women had a heart attack, stroke or died of cardiovascular causes - including 31 percent of the 163 people who drank a diet soda daily at the start of the study.
Researchers say they found a potential association, but haven't pinpointed the exact cause yet. Research in rats shows that artificial sweeteners may potentially increase overall food intake, as well as weight.
However, people that drink diet soda tend to have more unhealthy lifestyles, and so the study can't specifically be linked to diet soda as a cause.
