Everyone knows sodas aren’t the most health-conscious choice of beverages. If you’re a soda addict looking to take a small step towards better health, switching to a diet soda is a good first step.
Read on to learn more.
Making the Switch
There are a multitude of “healthier” diet soda options on the market. Each claiming to be healthier than the next. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a diet soda as a healthier alternative.
Sweetener
Diet sodas are typically advertised as sugar-free. Simply meaning, they use one of the many artificial sweetener options on the market today. Artificial sweeteners are safe in small doses but remember, everything should be consumed in moderation.
Sodium
Although diet sodas are sugar-free, most still contain salt. It’s important to remember that minimizing sodium intake is critical for maintaining health. Some diet soda drinkers will over-indulge, forgetting to consider sodium intake.
Ingredients – Natural
When comparing the health benefits of diet sodas, check out the ingredients list. Natural ingredients such as natural fruit flavor are generally healthier than artificial alternatives.
Prebiotics
A new feature of some soda brands is prebiotics, a plant fiber that helps probiotics thrive in your digestive tract. These prebiotic sodas claim to help you maintain a more balanced and nutritious diet, lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and improve skin complexion.
Finally, Flavor
While this may not be a health factor, if you don’t enjoy the diet soda you’ve chosen, you’re more likely to return to the original full-sugar soda you previously enjoyed. For that reason, it’s best to balance the health considerations above with an enjoyable flavor that will encourage you to continue drinking the healthy option.
