Is Diet Coke Bad For You?
Also Known As: diet coca-cola
Short answer
Diet Coke contains very harmful ingredients and is far from nutritious. It is in your best interest to keep away from Diet Coke entirely to avoid problems later down the road.
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
Diet Coke, along with many other diet sodas, is popular for its 0 calories. It is highly processed, though, and filled with artificial sweeteners and other ingredients that can cause negative short and long-term effects.
A University of Minnesota study showed that drinking one diet pop a day had a 36% increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These syndromes are associated with elevated glucose levels, larger waist circumference, increased blood pressure, and raised cholesterol. Also, diet pop increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in Diet Coke. It forms formaldehyde when you consume it and starts to break down in the body. It is known to cause muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, and many other neurological symptoms with high consumption. It also triggers insulin release which sends our body into fat storage mode. This, ironically, can lead to weight gain.
Diet Coke is also associated with early preterm delivery. A study in Denmark that included 59,334 pregnant women showed that women who drank 1 serving of diet soda a day had a 30% increased risk of preterm delivery.
The citric acid in Diet Coke can cause tooth decay over time. The acid eats at the tooth enamel causing erosion and damage and may eventually result in the need for a root canal.
Lastly, Diet Coke uses an ingredient called "caramel coloring" to give it its unique brown color. This ingredient contains a chemical known as 4-methylimidazole and has been proven to increase the risk of cancer. This is very unfortunate considering the caramel color is only there to make the beverage look pretty.
Possible short-term side effects
- dizziness
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nausea
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headache
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fatigue
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muscle spasms, aches, pains
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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multiple sclerosis
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increased cholesterol
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diabetes
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preterm delivery
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blood pressure
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cancer
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neurological issues
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tooth erosion
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- zero calorie
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zero fat
-
zero carb
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short-term energy boost
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Zevia Zero Calorie Soda
- Zero calorie drink
- Variety flavor pack
- No artificial sweeteners
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- 24-pack of 12oz cans
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Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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