Diet drinks can lead to depression
According to a new study by scientists from the American Academy of Neurology, regular consumption of sweetened drinks, especially diet drinks with sugar substitutes, is associated with a high risk of depression among adults.
As part of a study lasting one year, scientists studied the use of different foods among people aged 50 – 71 years.
After 10 years, scientists analyzed the participants’ mental health status. Overall, 4% of subjects had developed depression. According to one of the authors of the study, Dr. Hongley Chen, the frequent intake of sweetened foods was associated with a moderately high risk of depression, with participants in the highest risk group who consumed diet soda.
At the moment, scientists can not explain the relationship, but the results of the study demonstrate that drinks containing artificial sugar substitutes can have a negative effect on human health. Such artificial sweeteners include saccharin, splenda, aspartame.
It was also found that people who consume four cups of coffee a day are 10% less likely to develop a depressed state compared to those who do not drink coffee at all.