Is Coke Zero Bad For You?
Also Known As: Coca-Cola Zero
Short answer
Coke Zero is bad for you - it contains carcinogenic chemicals and should be avoided if you care about your health in any way, shape or form.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Coke Zero, an attempt to capture the "want regular coke flavor but on a diet" demographic, is little more than normal coke with the high fructose corn syrup replaced by a carcinogenic sweetener. While its caffeine content is slightly lower than that of regular coke, like Diet Coke, it contains aspartame.
Proponents of aspartame will claim to it being found in over 6,000 foods as proof of its safety. Also, they will point out that its cancer-causing potential was found in trials done with mice. The first point only shows that the dangers of aspartame lurk almost everywhere. As for the second point - if the effect of a product or ingredient on mice is not of any concern, what is the point to even use mice in the first place? Regardless, some potential concerns with aspartame include multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, and an increased risk of cancer and tumors. In fact, since the release of aspartame into the market in the 1980’s, there has been a 10% increase in the incidence of brain tumors.
Another scary factor with Coke Zero is that it contains caramel coloring, which has a host of negative effects. Just to mention a couple: this stuff has been proven to decrease white blood cell count (white blood cells help keep us from getting sick) and is a known carcinogen to the State of California. One ironic effect of drinking Coke Zero is that it may actually cause you to gain weight. The beverage in and of itself does not cause weight gain, but it can influence overeating by stimulating your appetite. To keep the list going... another problem is that Coke Zero contains absolutely no nutrients, so if you are drinking it as part of a diet plan, you are potentially robbing your body of vital nutrients.
One last consideration is for people with the rare disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU). This genetic condition makes it impossible to metabolize phenylalanine, which is found in aspartame.
Possible short-term side effects
- headache
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nausea
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muscle spasms
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muscle aches / pains
Possible long-term side effects
- neurologic issues
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visual changes
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multiple sclerosis
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ringing in the ears
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systemic lupus
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cancer / tumors
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increased blood pressure
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decreased white blood cell count
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- zero calories
zero cholesterol
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Zevia Zero Calorie Soda
- Calorie-free
- Rainbow Variety Pack
- No artificial sweeteners
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Sugar-free refreshment
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-02-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-02-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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