The crowd gathers as the two contenders take to the ring. In one corner is Soda and in the other is Diet. All eyes are on Diet to knock the lights out of  Soda. After all, isn’t diet soda healthier than regular soda? Don’t be so quick to place your bet.
As the match begins, Soda delivers a high-fructose punch. This sticky substance is implicated in numerous health conditions including elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Diet is quick to respond with a right hook tainted with aspartame, one of the deadliest substances on the market. According to the FDA, aspartame accounts for three quarters of severe reactions to food additives. There are over 90 different reactions including seizures and death attributed to this highly contested substance. Other reactions include nausea, muscle spasms, weight gain, hearing loss, heart palpitations, loss of taste, anxiety attacks, joint pain and vertigo.
The crowd screams as the opponents struggle to their feet.
The battle continues, and both contenders seem to be locked. It seems like neither has an advantage over the other.
A regular 12oz soda contains approximately 130 calories and 8 teaspoons of sugar. Soda causes hyperactivity, draws calcium from the body and dehydrates its drinkers. The acidity in soda also promotes tooth decay. As weight goes up so does the risk of diabetes and other lifestyle related illnesses.
Aspartame may be lean on calories but high in chemicals. And in a recent study, participants who drank diet soda as opposed to regular soda actually gained more weight!
The two deliver final blows simultaneously, as neither Soda nor Diet have any nutritional value. None. The match is ended with no winner!
Unfortunately, soda, both diet and regular, is one of America’s most favorite drinks. We rank first among all countries for soda consumption. Why do we love it so much? For starters, it is sweet, addictive and cheap. So, what shall we drink if we can not drink soda? Clean, pure and fresh water is always the beverage of choice. Add a lemon if you need a twist. Once you replace your diet of regular soda with water you will notice amazing health benefits. You will have more energy, drop a few pounds, not have so many food cravings and be less irritable. If you enjoy a warm drink try organic coffee or green tea!
Sources:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sugary-vs-diet-drinks/
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/dangers-soda-article-1.963859
http://www.healthylife-healthyplanet.com/health-problems-caused-by-sugar.html
