A report released by the American Gastroenterological Association revealed that carbonation makes it difficult for the brain to differentiate between sugar and artificial sweeteners.

A new study conducted by the American Gastroenterological Association revealed that consuming aerated soft drinks not only affects a person's weight but also how the brain perceives sweetness. Researchers of the study found that carbonation from these soft drinks makes it difficult for the brain to differentiate between sugar and artificial sweeteners.

For the study, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor changes in regional brain activity in response to naturally or artificially sweetened carbonated beverages. The above mentioned observation was made.

This has both an upside and a downside, reveal authors of the study. By tricking the brain into believing which type of sweet one has consumed can lead to the consumption of low-calorie drinks because their taste is perceived as pleasant as the sugary, calorie-laden drink, leading to weight loss in the process.

"This study proves that the right combination of carbonation and artificial sweeteners can leave the sweet taste of diet drinks indistinguishable from normal drinks," said study author, Rosario Cuomo, associate professor, gastroenterology, department of clinical medicine and surgery, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy.

The downside, however, is that the brain perceives less sugar intake, which causes energy imbalance. This may result in excess consumption of sugar and high calorie foods to maintain energy balance in the body.

Researchers revealed that more studies needed to be conducted on the subject to better understand the puzzling link between reduced calorie intake with diet drinks and increased incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases.