More bad news for soda drinkers and people who love fizzy soft drinks. Researchers have discovered that sugary drinks alter metabolism and how muscles use glucose energy. As a result, drinking these drinks regularly predisposes the body to develop type 2 diabetes and makes it difficult to lose weight.
Muscle Inefficiency
The study from Bangor University, followed a small group of people who drank sugary drinks for a month. The researchers discovered that body metabolism changed in how muscles utilize available energy. Instead of converting fat to use energy, muscle cells seemed to develop an expectation of available sugar and metabolism slowed. Researchers speculate that this may be a contributing factor in why it can be difficult for people who drink sweet carbonated sodas regularly to lose weight.
It may also be one of the reasons why obesity has become such a large problem. Soda consumption has increased dramatically in the past two decades in the United States and Europe. It may be that people are unconsciously setting themselves up to become overweight and develop diabetes in the process simply because they drink a great deal of soda.
Better Strategies for Refreshment
Researchers and doctors have repeatedly suggested that the best option for refreshment is plain water. Water provides all of the health benefits needed to maintain healthy hydration levels in the body. Although many people believe they are making good health choices when they drink sports drinks and other alternatives, the truth is it is important to read the labels for these drinks. Many of them contain high levels of high fructose corn syrup and sugar, making them just as bad as reaching for a can of soda.
The best approach to maintaining a healthy diet and good metabolism is to drink water instead of soda and drinks with high fructose corn syrup. This, added to a diet full of healthy whole fruits and vegetables, grains and lean meats will improve your overall health, help you maintain a healthy weight and make you feel better overall.
– The Alternative Daily
