You might want to stop drinking Diet Coke

Although fizzy drinks seem to be declining in popularity, there’s still nothing better than an ice cold glass of Coke on a hot day.

But you might want to stick to the full-fat versions.

A new study has found that diet fizzy beverages can actually put you at a higher risk of dementia and stroke.

The research – published in the journal of the American Heart Association – revealed the previously unknown disadvantage to diet options.

Drinking just one artificially sweetened diet fizzy drink a day was associated with a three times greater risk of developing dementia and having a stroke in later years. That’s only one can a day, guys.

2,888 people over the age of 45 were used in the stroke study while 1,484 people above the age of 60 took part in the dementia study.

Individuals who drank a diet fizzy drink every day were three times more likely to develop a stroke thanks to a blockage of blood vessels.

People were also 2.9 times more likely to develop dementia than those who only consumed a diet fizzy drink less than once a week.

“We know that limiting added sugars is an important strategy to support good nutrition and healthy body weights, and until we know more, people should use artificially sweetened drinks cautiously,” professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont, Rachel K. Johnson, commented.

“They may have a role for people with diabetes and in weight loss, but we encourage people to drink water, low-fat milk or other beverages without added sweeteners.”

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