Can we drink as much sugar-free beverage as we want because of its low calories?

The answer is no. Because sweeteners will enhance people's appetite and desire for sweets. When drinking sugar-free beverages, because of the presence of artificial sweeteners, the tongue is sweet, causing the body to react, so that the body is at the state of preparation to accept and digest food. After the drink is swallowed, the body touches the sweetness and food begins to be digested and absorbed in the digestive tract. The body's endocrine signals are a source of hunger and interest in other sugary foods or snacks. A lot of scientific evidence shows that excessive intake of sweeteners has a negative impact on health. Therefore, in order to be healthy, we should reduce or avoid the intake of sugary beverage or sugar-free drinks made from substituting sugar. When thirsty, a glass of water is always the best choice.

(Answerer: Haoyun HU

National First-level public nutritionist)

(Source: Wplat Science China)