Experts have warned that drinking diet soft drinks every day could have an adverse risk on health and increase the risk of dying young.
According to Harvard experts, two cans of regular soft drink increases the risk of early death by heart disease by a third.
Sugar-filled fizzy drinks also increase the risk of early death from any cause by a fifth — and are also fuelling a rise in cancer cases, the experts said.
The diet versions, while advertised as ‘healthier’ options, can still increase the risk of dying young if four per day are consumed.
Dr Vasanti Malik, who led the study at Harvard Uni in the US, said: “Our results provide further support to limit intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and to replace them with other drinks, preferably water, to improve overall health and longevity.
“Drinking water in place of sugary drinks is a healthy choice that could contribute to longevity.
“Diet soda may be used to help frequent consumers of sugary drinks cut back their consumption, but water is the best and healthiest choice.”