Regular consumption of sugar-free energy drinks would cause brain damage, promote the development of heart disease and the onset of diabetes.
- Energy drinks without sugar are not better for your health and must be consumed in a very exceptional way.
- Sugar-free energy drinks contain sweeteners that trick the metabolism.
There are about 35 grams of sugar in a can of Coca-Cola, or the equivalent of about seven pieces. A huge amount, which some prefer to avoid by consuming energy drinks without sugar, which they consider better for health. According to two recent studies, one published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition and the other in Nutrientsthis belief – widely held – would be totally false.
Sugar-free energy drinks increase brain inflammation
The first study points to the repercussions of daily consumption of energy drinks without sugar on the blood vessels of the brain. “Our first study looked at potential brain damage and found that energy drinks, even sugar-free forms, disrupted blood vessels and increased inflammation in the brains of mouse models. (on which the scientists conducted their experiments), explains Ryusuke Takechi, principal researcher of the two studies. This is of particular concern because brain blood vessel damage and inflammation are early hallmarks of many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis..”
Sweeteners also stimulate the pancreas, which wears out in the long run
When a person drinks a classic energy drink, the sugar goes straight into their bloodstream and causes the body to spike insulin, a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin’s job is to keep blood sugar – or blood sugar – levels normal. In the event of excessive consumption, the pancreas is therefore very stressed, which risks wearing it out and favoring the onset of diabetes in the long term.
Sugar-free energy drinks, on the other hand, contain sweeteners that taste sweet. When an individual drinks it, their metabolism is tricked and their pancreas produces insulin unnecessarily, causing an abnormal insulin spike. Thus, his blood sugar level drops and leads to a physiological need to eat sugar. Here too, the pancreas is therefore overstimulated and there is a good chance that the person will end up eating something sweet in addition, which further increases the activity of this organ and promotes weight gain.
A higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
The second study assessed the impact of regular consumption of sugar-free energy drinks on the development of heart disease and the risk of strokes, known as metabolic syndrome. “We found that sugar-free energy drinks also promoted metabolic syndrome and increased blood sugar and cholesterol in mouse models, to levels similar to standard energy drinks, emphasizes Ryusuke Takechi. The study showed that long-term consumption of energy drinks, sugar-free or not, resulted in high blood sugar and bad fats, which are the common hallmark of diabetes. body fat (mouses) also increased without any change in weight”.
High caffeine content in energy drinks
According to Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF), a 25 cl can of energy drink contains about 80 milligrams of caffeine, the equivalent of a cup of coffee. However, the authority estimates that beyond 400 milligrams per day, caffeine can cause adverse effects such as tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, anxiety or even insomnia. A limit that can quickly be reached. So, sugary or not, these energy drinks are bad for your health. Their consumption must therefore remain exceptional. The best, in case of a sweet craving, is to drink a squeezed fruit.
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