The Shocking Truth About Your Favourite Fizzy Drinks

Sometimes there’s nothing like an ice-cold fizzy drink. They can cool you down on a summer’s day, perk you up during the post-lunch slump or make a great caffeine fix alternative to a coffee but according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, sweetened drinks can increase depression.

The study found that those who drink between 3-4 cans a day were 30 percent more likely to suffer from depression, however the good news is that diet versions were not as potent... just the artificial sweetner to worry about so. 

The study also found that not all caffinated drinks were found to have the same effect - coffee drinkers who consume up to four cups a day are 10 percent less likely to develop depressive symptoms.

Turns out your favourite sugary drinks isn't so sweet...

"Our research suggests that cutting out or down on sweetened diet drinks or replacing them with unsweetened coffee may naturally help lower your depression risk," study researcher Dr. Honglei Chen, M.D., Ph.D., of the National Institutes of Health in Research Triangle Park, said in a statement. "More research is needed to confirm these findings, and people with depression should continue to take depression medications prescribed by their doctors."

This study is yet to be published and the findings are considered preliminary but other studies in the past have reported a link between sweetened beverages and depression.

An Australian study commissioned by the Department of Health in 2010 suggested a link between drinking fizzy drinks daily and an increased risk of psychological distress and depression. 

Looks like we have yet another item to add to the banned during January list...