A new study from the University of Washington presented at last week's Experimental Biology 2002 Annual Meeting is being hailed as a major victory for cola drinks versus orange juice in the battle for the moral high ground.
Orange juice is viewed, and indeed marketed, as the healthy option compared to colas, which are seen as sugar-laden and unhealthy. But new research from Professor Adam Drewnowski of the University of Washington's Nutritional Science Programme shows that cola, orange juice and milk all have the same effect on fighting hunger.
The study also found that milk, cola soft drinks, orange juice and sparkling water were exactly the same in their ability to quench thirst.
"Some nutritionists believe that colas act only as thirst quenching liquids and have no influence on hunger or satiety, and that fruit juices and milk are said to be foods that you drink. In our study with healthy college-age men and women, we found nothing of the sort," said Professor Drewnowski.
"Orange juice, cola soft drinks and one per cent milk had exactly the same effects on hunger, fullness, and desire to eat in the short term. The cola beverage was no different from juice or milk in supplying dietary energy to provide the feeling of satisfaction and fullness," he concluded.
The University of Washington study determined the effects of four beverages - milk, orange juice, cola, and sparkling water - on temporal profiles of hunger, fullness and the desire to eat, measured at 20 minute intervals post consumption. The study was based on 32 normal-weight, non-dieting young adults. All beverages were provided in 20 oz. portions. Energy consumption and food choices at the next meal were measured as well. Cola beverages did not lead to overeating relative to orange juice or milk.
The study was supported by a research grant from the National Soft Drink Association, the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute alcohol free beverages in the United States.