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Does drinking soft drinks cause obesity?

No one food product or beverage is a unique contributor to obesity.  Obesity is a complex problem that is influenced by many factors; the most important being diet, physical activity and genetics.  The key to living a healthy lifestyle is to incorporate a varied, healthy diet that balances calories consumed and calories burned through activity and exercise.

Are sugar substitutes used in diet soft drinks safe?

Sugar substitutes have gone through numerous studies to validate their safety and have obtained approval from regulatory agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Health Canada, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Do sugar substitutes in any way increase the risk of cancer?

Numerous credible scientific bodies such as Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have examined this issue and declared sugar substitutes safe for human consumption.

Does consuming soft drinks contribute to poor dental health?

No single food or beverage is responsible for causing dental erosion or cavities considering so many factors determine an individual's dental health, including level of oral hygiene, access to professional dental care, types of food consumed and length of time foods are retained in the mouth. For instance, sticky foods like raisins and cookies that tend to stay in the mouth longer and/or cling to teeth can play a significant role in the development of dental cavities. In contrast, liquids clear the mouth quickly.

 While there are multiple causes of dental erosion and tooth decay, protective factors, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent or minimize them.

Do soft drinks contain benzene?

Benzene is not an ingredient in soft drinks.  However, benzene does occur naturally in the environment at low levels, including air and drinking water as well as, and many foods such as butter, eggs, meat and certain fruits and nuts.

It is possible for low levels of benzene to form in a soft drink containing sodium or potassium benzoate (preservatives) along with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) when these beverages are exposed to increased amounts of heat or ultraviolet light. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested more than 100 soft drinks and other beverages and concluded "that the levels of benzene found in soft drinks do not pose a safety concern for consumers."

Is caffeine addictive?

Caffeine is not addictive as experts in the scientific community define the term.  Most people who consume caffeine maintain a relatively consistent level of intake. While caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, studies have shown that those who enjoy caffeinated products are able to reduce or stop their caffeine consumption without difficulty.  Some individuals may experience adverse reactions such as headaches when suddenly abstaining from caffeine, but these feelings tend to be mild and pass within a few days.

Does the phosphorous contained in soft drinks negatively impact bone health?

Phosphorous is a dietary mineral found in many foods and beverages, including some types of soft drinks. However, the amount of phosphorous contained in those soft drinks is very small and accounts for just two percent of the total phosphorous consumed in the average American diet.  There is more phosphorous present in milk, cheddar cheese and chicken than in soft drinks.  In addition, a growing body of scientific research has found that the amount of phosphoric acid present in some soft drinks does not adversely affect bone health.

Does high fructose corn syrup cause obesity?

No one sweetener or single food can be blamed for causing obesity. Weight gain is caused when an individual consumes more calories than he or she expends through physical activity or exercise.  This is true regardless of the calorie source (i.e., proteins, fats, alcohol, carbohydrates or sugars).

To avoid or manage weight gain, balancing the number of calories consumed with the number of calories expended is essential. Moderation and variety, while maintaining adequate nutrient intakes, are the keys to a balanced diet.

Does high fructose corn syrup have more calories than regular sugar?

High fructose corn syrup has the same calories as table sugar - approximately 4 kilocalories per gram.

Can diet soft drinks can prevent you from feeling full and lead you to eat more or gain weight?

Studies have shown that whether people drink water or soft drinks with low-calorie sweeteners, there is no difference in how full and satisfied they feel afterward.  In fact, low-calorie sweeteners have been shown to reduce appetite and food cravings.

By helping individuals reduce their intake of calories and sugar, diet beverages can be a catalyst for a healthy lifestyle.  In fact, the American Diabetes Association says sugar substitutes can help those with diabetes or those who want to control their weight stick to a healthy meal plan.