Short answer
Fresca contains some very harmful ingredients and is deemed bad for you. If you are going to drink Fresca, it is important to do so in extreme moderation.
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
Fresca, just like many other diet sodas, is widely consumed for its zero calorie, zero fat, and zero carb benefits. Short-term, Fresca may be beneficial for those reasons, but there are many serious long-term effects due to Fresca being highly processed, filled with artificial sweeteners, and containing other ingredients known to be detrimental to your health.
Aspartame, one of the artificial sweeteners used in Fresca, forms formaldehyde when it breaks down inside of your body. Neurological symptoms, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, and even an increased risk of brain tumors can result from a high consumption of aspartame. Acesulfame Potassium, another artificial sweetener in Fresca, is proven to be carcinogenic and increases the risk of cancer.
EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is used in Fresca to preserve color. This ingredient, however, is on the FDA's watch list to be reviewed and tested for toxicity. So far, we know that this additive promotes various short-term effects such as skin rash, asthma, and migraines. It is also likely to build up in the body over time, leading a very toxic environment inside of the body.
Another potentially harmful ingredient seen in Fresca is brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Used to keep Fresca stable and also add the "cloudy" look it has, the oil has corrosive properties and poses major threats to our health. Studies reveal that BVO can cause your hands to swell, disrupt brain development in children, disrupt fertility, disrupt thyroid function, and increase the risk of cancer.
Lastly, Fresca contains citric acid. This is one of the less harmful ingredients, but it is still good to note that a high consumption of this acid can cause your tooth enamel to erode, eventually resulting in the need for a root canal.
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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tumor development
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skin rash / asthma
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tooth erosion
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disruption of fertility
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disruption of thyroid function
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- zero calorie
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zero fat
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zero carb
Healthier alternatives
Team-Picked Alternative
(what is this?)
Organic Italian Soda
- Organic certified
- Refreshing grapefruit flavor
- No artificial preservatives
- Convenient 4 pack
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023
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