By Amy McDonnell | Published on May 16, 2017
Trying to eat healthy every day is no easy feat. Especially when scientists can’t make up their mind whether wine is gives you a healthy heart or causes cancer. So, what’s the latest drink to be targeted? Fizzy water.
A new study from Birzeit University in the Palenstinian West Bank has linked the carbonated drink to obesity. This is due to levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, being heightened ‘significantly’ during the experiment. This is the hormone that encourages you to reach for an extra snack to compensate for feeling less full.
During the three-month experiment, 16 rat siblings were given unlimited food and were split up into four groups. The first group was given normal water, the second drank a high sugar soft drink without any bubbles. The third group were drinking a sugary fizzy drink and the last group drank a fizzy drink with zero-calories and artificial sweeteners.
Unsurprisingly, the non-gas drinking rats ate 20% less, on average, than the two fizzy drinking groups. Not only that, but the rats who were supping on the fizz showed signs of fat collecting around their vital organs after a year.
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Tests on 20 human volunteers followed and they found that participants who drank fizzy water with breakfast had six times higher ghrelin levels than those who drank still water.
Does this mean that we should all stop enjoying a glass of sparkling water and strictly drink still water? Well not exactly. The director-general of the British Soft Drinks Association, Gavin Partington, remains skeptical on this new research. He told the Daily Mail that this research was “bad scienceâ€.
“There is no body of scientific evidence that carbon dioxide contained in soft drinks – or even beer – causes increased hunger or obesityâ€, he said.
It’s probably still best to limit your intake on fizzy drinks, especially those high in sugar like Coca-Cola. But what CAN we drink then?
1. Green tea
Filled with antioxidants and nutrients, green tea is the perfect afternoon drink to pick you up. It improves brain functionality, fat loss and even lowers the risk of cancer.
2. Cranberry juice
Cranberry juice can fight against UTIs, lower the risk of heart related ailments and help strengthen teeth and bones, thanks to it being a natural source of calcium.
3. Orange juice
Nothing is quite as refreshing as a cup of classic OJ. Overflowing with vitamin C, vitamin A and plenty of antioxidants. Opt for freshly squeezed, though, as many shop bought ones are filled with as much sugar as a can of coke!
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