Soda is a popular thirst-quencher worldwide, but sugary sodas are often associated with health issues like cavities. As a result, many people opt for light versions, but are they really that much better than regular sodas with sugar?
Soda
Artificial sweeteners and their impact on your health
Light sodas contain little to no sugar. Instead, they are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia. This means a glass of light soda typically contains very few calories, while regular sodas can quickly add up. For people who want to cut back on calories, this seems like an attractive choice.
Light sodas are therefore a logical option for people who are trying to lose weight or limit their sugar intake. They don’t directly contribute to weight gain like sugary drinks can. For people with diabetes, light sodas can also be a solution, as they contain no sugar and have little impact on blood sugar levels.
Chemicals and the health of your teeth
Although light sodas contain no sugar and therefore don’t cause cavities, they are not necessarily better for your teeth than regular sodas. Both sugar-free and sugary sodas contain acids, such as phosphoric acid and citric acid, which can cause tooth erosion. Tooth erosion occurs when these acids damage tooth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity and other dental issues.
Sodas have a low pH value, which means they are acidic. A neutral pH value, like that of water, is 7. Anything below 7 is considered acidic. For example, cola has a pH of about 2.4, which is similar to battery acid. This high acid content can dissolve tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin and making teeth more vulnerable to damage.
Protect your teeth
To protect your teeth, it’s important to consume both sugar-free and sugary sodas in moderation. Ideally, choose drinks with a neutral pH, such as water or milk, to prevent tooth erosion. Additionally, it’s helpful to rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic drinks and avoid brushing your teeth immediately. This gives the enamel time to recover.
Light or sugar?
Whether light sodas are better depends on your personal goals. If you want to lose weight or reduce your sugar intake, then a light version may be a better choice. If you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners or are concerned about their impact on your health, it might be wise to reduce your soda consumption overall.
Light sodas are not a miracle solution, but they can be a better option for people who want to avoid calories or sugar. However, the healthiest choice remains water, tea, or other unsweetened beverages. But if you occasionally crave a soda, enjoy it in moderation – whether it’s light or not.