Whether you are on a diet or not, what we hear constantly repeated - and rightly so - is to keep ourselves hydrated. Some, however, find it difficult to drink only water, and try to satisfy their thirst with drinks which, especially if you are on a diet, are usually zero sugar drinks.
Zero sugar drinks are drinks, usually also calorie-free, which include natural or chemical sweeteners among their ingredients that replace sugar. For this reason they are usually also sold as slimming drinks - in fact they have fewer calories than traditional drinks - and they can be consumed, or so they say, even in large quantities.
At least that's what they say around. But will it really be like this? In this article we have decided to shed light on the world of zero sugar and zero calorie drinks.
Zero sugar drinks: what they are
If what they say about sugar-free vegetable drinks and zero-calorie soft drinks in general were really true, we would have practically discovered the holy grail of the diet, because it would mean being able to lose weight practically without sacrifices. In reality, however, several studies have been conducted which demonstrate that even these products have many contraindications.
Let's start immediately by saying that, by zero sugar drinks, we usually mean either vegetable drinks without sugar or drinks such as coca cola or light or zero pepsi. In other words, it is not a matter of preparing tea at home, but of consuming what falls in any case into the category of industrial and/or processed foods.
Furthermore, several natural sweeteners (for example E420-E421, E953, E965-966-967) are not very different from sugar, both in terms of calories and in the way they are metabolised, affecting insulin. In addition, as regards artificial sweeteners, it has been shown that they do not help in changing one's diet, as one remains accustomed to sweet flavors, and tends more easily to consume foods that do not promote weight loss.
Zero sugars does not mean dietary
In short, light drinks would even produce the opposite effect by keeping our palate accustomed to the sweet taste, which would increase our appetite. But that's not all, because the appetite increases towards foods richer in fat and sugar.
This also carries health risks, from diabetes to metabolic syndrome to heart problems. Furthermore, a large consumption of zero sugar drinks - but with sweeteners - affects the production of insulin. Insulin increases the sense of hunger, producing further damage. And finally, sugar-free vegetable drinks, as well as those containing sugar or sweeteners, have also been shown to negatively affect the risk of contracting depression.
Other issues concern premature aging and the carcinogenic potential of some artificial sweeteners.
But are there any 'good' zero sugar drinks?
And now some good news, speaking of sugar-free vegetable drinks: the consumption of tea or coffee instead reduces all the risks we have just talked about. In short, there are certainly zero sugar drinks that are absolutely safe and healthy, which do not produce side effects, and which can therefore be safely consumed even by those who are following a diet.
Which ones are they? First of all the tea and coffee that we have just mentioned, as well as obviously water (yes, even sparkling water: it is true that gas inflates, but it has no calories). You can also prepare excellent drinks by mixing tea and vegetable milk without sugar, water and cucumbers or celery, sparkling water, ice and lemon.
But even if you are not inclined to do it yourself, and are looking for something that you can also buy at the bar on the fly, the market offers more than satisfactory alternatives. Which? We have selected them for you!
1) Measure Centrifuges
Ready centrifuged fruit and vegetables in hermetically sealed packs to preserve all the nutritional values. Just keep them in the fridge and take one with you when you go out. Centrifugal measurement it is ideal for a picnic or as a hunger breaker in the office, and has the advantage of also providing excellent nutrients.
2) Virtue Clean Energy
What if your energy drink was calorie-free and full of vitamins? virtues has thought of just that, with a caffeine-based energy drink added with B vitamins for an immediate boost that also leaves long-term effects making you stronger and more reactive.
3) Ginseng King Cup
Tired of the usual coffee? Then it's time to try the pods Ginseng King Cup. Naturally high in caffeine – and much more – this plant is the quintessential invigorator in Asian countries. It has a vaguely aromatic flavour, which makes it perfect even in summer with a few ice cubes and a little vegetable milk.
4) Bolero Drinks
Now very famous among fans of healthy eating and among sportsmen, i Bolero they are flavorings that are added to water to obtain a drink with an excellent taste and completely free of sugars. From the excellent composition, they have the advantage of the great variety, which allows you to try as many as 58 different flavors with a single order.
5) Natural Bio sencha tea
If you already know matcha inside out and want to try something new, then the the Sencha it's the one for you. Just prepare it at home to always have it at hand, and in addition it is a veg and organic alternative, produced in such a way as to guarantee maximum aroma in the infusion. In addition, you will receive it in a practical fragrance-saving package.
Zero sugar drinks: the importance of learning how to orient yourself
What did we learn today? Surely, that it is important to know how to orient yourself. If, in fact, the simple wording "light" or "zero sugar" - with all their synonyms - not only is it not indicative of the fact that the drink we are choosing is healthy, but it can also prove to be counterproductive for diet and health , it is equally true that healthy alternatives exist.
And you don't necessarily have to prepare a still water at room temperature with a sad slice of cucumber, nor give up an aperitif with friends. Just know which are the "good" zero sugar drinks and you're done!