Behind every sip of these seemingly harmless beverages lies a complex chemical process that can have significant health consequences.
Sugary drinks and drinks with non-caloric sweeteners affect the body in different ways, although both can have negative health consequences.
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He consumption of sugary drinks and with non-caloric sweeteners has become a common part of the daily diet. However, Behind every sip of these seemingly harmless drinks lies a complex chemical process that can have significant health consequences. From the moment the soda enters your system until up to an hour later, your body experiences a series of reactions that can influence your overall well-being, both in the short and long term.
Drinking a soft drink is an everyday gesture for many, but the impact it has on the body is considerable. When consuming a soft drink, the body receives a load of approximately ten teaspoons of sugar in the first 10 minutes, which exceeds 100% of the recommended daily intake.
One can contains 155 calories, of which 148 come from 37 grams of sugar and the rest from 34 milligrams of caffeine. This content exceeds the daily sugar recommendations and is close to the limits for caffeine consumption set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite the high concentration of sugar, the phosphoric acid present in the drink neutralizes its taste and allows the body to tolerate it without causing vomiting.
Within 20 minutes, blood glucose levels rise rapidly, forcing the pancreas to release insulin and the liver to convert excess sugar into fat. This process is especially harmful to people with a sedentary lifestyle because, without sufficient energy expenditure, the body begins to store fat, initially in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and, with continued consumption, the ectopic deposit of adipose tissue spreads to other organs such as the brain and muscles. When consumed with a meal, the extra sugar is converted into adipose tissue, which is deposited in inappropriate places, generating systemic inflammation and increasing the risk of developing more than 200 pathologies, including type 2 and type 3 diabetes, kidney disease, sleep disorders, respiratory disorders, joint problems, increased likelihood of cancer in various organs and cognitive impairments.
Within 40 minutes, the caffeine is completely absorbed, blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and preventing drowsiness. This effect, although temporary, can make a person feel more awake and active. Shortly afterward, the body increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that activates the pleasure centers in the brain. This mechanism is similar to that of certain drugs and, although less intense, can lead to a cycle of addiction and repeated consumption of the soft drink.
Within an hour of drinking it, the body begins to experience a sharp drop in energy, which can lead to irritability, fatigue, and a decrease in productivity and concentration. Furthermore, the phosphoric acid present binds to essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc in the intestine, causing them to be excreted rather than absorbed. This process leads to negative consequences on bone health, such as alterations in bone mineral density. The diuretic properties of caffeine also contribute to the expulsion of water, minerals and electrolytes from the body.
Sugary drinks and drinks with non-caloric sweeteners affect the body in different ways, although both can have negative health consequences. Sugar activates reward pathways in the brain, which release dopamine and provide a feeling of pleasure that reinforces the consumption of sweet foods. This cycle can lead to compulsive consumption and, over time, to health problems related to excess sugar, such as obesity and insulin resistance.
The impact of consuming sugary drinks and drinks with non-caloric sweeteners underlines the importance of greater awareness of their effects on health. It is essential to be informed about the possible consequences of their consumption, not only in terms of calories, but also in terms of hormonal response and general well-being. Conscious and moderate choice of these products can make a significant difference to health in the long term.
Medical specialist in nutrition and obesity.
Source: Ambito
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