As
people become more aware of calorie intake and bacteria in the mouth, many have
turned to sugar-free drinks. Nutrition specialists often recommend that
patients struggling with weight-related illnesses or obesity avoid high-calorie
drinks. As a result, vending machines and store shelves are introducing more
sugar-free drink choices to promote lighter diets. For overall and oral health,
it is important for individuals to know both the positive and negative facets
of sugar-free drinks.
Natural
vs. Synthetic Sweeteners
Several beverages on the market are naturally sweet, but other drinks
use altered sweeteners to replace sugar but maintain the flavor. There are
naturally occurring, no calorie sweeteners like stevia that can be added to products.
Agave nectar and honey are also great, natural sweeteners for beverages but with
some additional calories.
Synthetic sweeteners are where things get complicated. High fructose
corn syrup, a processed sweetening agent, comes from corn and extracted sugars,
creating one of the most common synthetic sweeteners. Other sweeteners which claim
to have few or no calories and have been added to drinks labeled “diet” or
“light” have received negative feedback because the human body can’t process
these sweetening agents. Other synthetic substitutes include acesulfame
potassium, neotame, aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. It’s easy to recognize
these sweetening agents by their packet color, such as pink, yellow, or blue.
Sugar-Free
Drinks Benefits
The most popular reasons for consuming sugar-free drinks are weight
control and preventing type 2 diabetes. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study
stated that women who drink one or more sugary beverages daily experienced a greater
risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, sugary drinks add unnecessary calories to consumers’
diets whereas sugar-free drinks eliminate empty calories and give consumers the
freedom to indulge in a sweet taste without the sugar crash.
Sugar
and Oral Health
Consuming beverages low in sugar can also be beneficial for teeth by
decreasing the risk of tooth decay. Excessive sugars can be harmful to teeth
due to oral bacteria that feed on these sugars to form the plaque that breaks down
tooth enamel. The acidic content in these drinks can further this process and
increase the rate of decay. This can lead to sensitivity and dental infections
if left untreated.
Effects
of Sugar Substitutes
The National Cancer Institute has mentioned concerns about the safety
of artificial sweeteners, but no studies have confirmed that drinking products
with these sweeteners has a direct relationship with cancer diagnoses. Despite
these questions, seeking out sugar-free drinks is a beneficial endeavor for
anyone. Sugar-free beverages can help contribute to one’s overall and oral well-being.
Natural alternatives, including plain tea, black coffee, or just a glass of
water, are still the best choices when you're thirsty. Overtime, you won’t miss
the sugar crash, and your healthier smile will show the difference.
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