Is Diet Coke Bad For You

Is Diet Coke Bad For You?

 

Regular colas and sodas may be the leading cause of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. They contain only water, artificial flavors and colors and liquid sugar in the form of high fructose corn syrup. A regular 12oz. Coke contains 140 calories from a whopping 39 grams of pure sugar!

 

By comparison, a Diet Coke contains zero calories, but does that make it healthy? Is Diet Coke bad for you? The answer depends on a number of factors and the type of sweetener used to replace the original sugar. But first, understand that any cola, diet or otherwise, is in no way healthy, and diet sodas are even more complicated.

 

Consider the ingredients of a Diet Coke:

 

  • CARBONATED WATER
  • CARAMEL COLOR
  • ASPARTAME
  • PHOSPHORIC ACID
  • POTASSIUM BENZOATE
  • CITRIC ACID
  • CAFFEINE
  • PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE

 

*This product includes ingredients sourced from genetically engineered (GE) crops, commonly known as GMOs.

 

According to the Mayo Clinic, PHENYLALANINE can be a serious health concern, especially for people with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). “Phenylalanine can cause intellectual disabilities, brain damage, seizures and other problems in people with PKU.” The artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet) “contains phenylalanine which may worsen feelings of anxiety and jitteriness. Studies are ongoing, however aspartame has been linked to cancer, diabetes, obesity, headaches, seizures and blindness.”

 

Cravings - Sugar free and “diet” foods and drinks and their potentially toxic artificial sweeteners also fuel your sugar addiction and cravings. These diet products can be hundreds of times sweeter than the regular versions. Your brain is fooled by the “sweetness” but soon realizes there were no calories provided - leading to a search for even more sweetness. Sugar free foods and drinks may actually lead to overeating and binge eating!

 

Tooth Decay - Both citric acid and phosphoric acid cause enamel and tooth erosion.

 

Risk Of Kidney Disease - In a 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal Of The American Society Of Nephrology, diet soda consumption is associated with impaired glucose metabolism, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome and resulted in a higher ESRD risk in this study.

 

Genetic Engineering (GMOs) - GMOs are genetically modified in a laboratory and grown to withstands pests and diseases and have been found to cause liver, blood and kidney abnormalities and a variety of reproductive problems.

 

Bottom Line - The occasional Diet Coke may not be harmful, but is not a healthy choice. Diet Coke may lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, gaining rather than losing weight and permanent loss of tooth enamel. A Diet Coke contains NO nutritional value, no protein, fats or carbs with a lengthy list or health risks. If you are concerned about your long term health - make healthier choices!

 

Xylitol - When searching for “safe” sugar substitutes, there is one sweetener which may be less harmful and actually provide health benefits: XYLITOL. Xylitol has been used as a sugar replacement since the 1960s. It is often used in packaged food for diabetics and studies have shown it reduces tooth-decay. Six US dental associations have officially endorsed xylitol.