For many people cutting back calories means satisfying their sweet tooth with a calorie free diet cola. Drinking a couple diet sodas a day becomes an easy guiltless habit. However, a new study by Tufts researchers shows that drinking cola regularly may lead to lower bone mineral density in older women.
The epidemiological study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and received media attention around the world, found that drinking diet, regular and decaffeinated colas can lead to lower bone mineral density in women over the age of 60. “The more cola women drank, the lower their bone mineral density,” Katherine Tucker, a senior scientist at the HNRCA and lead author of the study, told United Press International.
Researchers examined bone mineral density of more than 2,500 male and female participants in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. According to the BBC, the study which looked at three different areas of the hip, as well as the spine showed no association between cola intake and lower bone mineral density in men. Cola consumption and its frequency had a clear impact on women.
Did you know that diet soda contains phosphoric acid and caffeine which can deplete bone calcium especially when it’s not balanced by calcium-rich food? According to researchers, if you are concerned about osteoporosis you should stop drinking diet sodas immediately or at least refrain from drinking them everyday. Not to mention the fact that regular and diet sodas can damage and erode your teeth enamel.
Decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis by consuming at least 3 servings of dairy a day and reducing your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Along with drinking responsibly and eating healthy Diet-To-Go Meals, be sure to do weight training and some form of weight bearing exercise on a regular basis.
Celebrate your Healthy Lifestyle this Holiday and into the New Year!
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