Diet Coke seems like a better and healthier choice when it comes to consuming soft drinks. These drinks seem to be popular among health freaks, for whom staying fit and healthy is a priority. Diet Coke is marketed as a zero-calorie drink that can replace regular soft drinks. But these soft drinks are known to be addictive and hazardous to your health. Since diet coke is sugar- and calorie-free, many individuals who keep their health a priority switch to this in order to remain healthy. But is diet Coke healthy?

The answer is “no.” Many of us crave Coca-Cola as a beverage, but several studies depict that diet Coke is not a healthy beverage. This beverage is mainly responsible for heart diseases, liver issues, obesity, kidney problems, etc.

What is Diet Coke?

Diet coke is defined as a low-calorie and sugar-free cold beverage that is an alternative to regular Coca-Cola (coke). This is unlike any other cola that contains added sugar.

But have you ever wondered how diet coke has the same sweet flavour when it is actually sugar-free? For this purpose, the manufacturers include artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, cyclamates, etc.

History Of Diet Coke

Diet Coke history is 40 years old. When the manufacturers created Diet Coke. But within two years, this beverage became the world’s favorite light cola, and it still is!

In its advertising, it is shown that “Diet Coke encourages an individual to love what they love to do, celebrate the long-lasting attitude that comes with knowing who they are and what they are into.”

But is it so? In several studies, these beverages are considered unhealthy to consume. Only adding “diet” in its name doesn’t make it a so-called ‘healthy food.’ It is not considered a nutritious drink. It is simply a slurry of chemicals that may deleteriously affect the human body.

Diet Soda Isn’t Nutritious

 Our diet coke is mainly a mixture of carbonated water, artificial sweeteners, color, flavor, and other food additives. Usually, it has very few to no calories and no noteworthy nutrition.

Such as 354 ml of diet coke, which contains no calories, sugar, fat, or protein. But has 40mg of sodium. However, not every soda or diet coke uses artificial sweeteners that are low in calories or sugar-free. Many manufacturers use sugar and sweetener together as a mixture. Such as a ‘can’ of Coco-Cola diet coke, which contains the natural sweetener stevia but has 90 calories and 24gm of sugar in it.

Common Ingredients In Diet Coke

So, the manufacturing of these beverages differs from brand to brand, but some common ingredients in diet soda include:

• Carbonated Water: Many water sodas or beverages like diet coke are made by dissolving carbon dioxide into water under pressure.
• Sweeteners: These beverages include artificial sweeteners, for example, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia, which is an herbal sweetener. Stevia is 200 times sweeter than regular artificial sweeteners.
• Acids: A few manufacturers also add a certain number of acids, such as citric, malic, and phosphoric acids. Such acids are used to add tartness to soda drinks. Also, these acids are responsible for tooth enamel erosion.
• Colors: Commonly used are carotenoids, anthocyanins, and caramels in beverages like diet coke.
• Flavors: Did you know there are many different kinds of natural juices or artificial flavors that are used in diet soda? This includes fruits, berries, herbs, and cola.
• Preservatives: The presence of potassium benzoate, a preservative in beverages helps diet coke or other soda last longer on the supermarket shelf.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Many manufacturers add vitamins and minerals to their products to market them. Keeping these minerals as their USP and showing that their product is healthy and calorie-free to consume.
• Caffeine: Just like any regular soda, diet coke may also contain caffeine. Did you know a can of diet coke contains 46mg of caffeine, whereas a can of diet Pepsi contains 35mg?

Read: 5 Minutes Miracle Weight Loss Drink Will Make You Believe Miracles Do Happen

Healthy Alternatives To Diet Coke

For many people, switching from diet coke or soda might seem like an impossible task. So, here we are sharing a few healthy alternatives to soda drinks:

• Plain Water
• Lemonade
• Coconut water
• Iced tea or coffee
• Kombucha
• Juiced vegetables
• Sparkling water
• Green tea/coffee

5 Reasons To Stop Drinking Diet Coke Or Diet Soda

So, here, let’s share some of the reasons to quit drinking these beverages:

1. Weight Gain

Many fitness freaks think that diet coke will not add to the calorie count, so it might help the body shed weight. But this is not true. According to studies, it is shown that the circumference of the waist of those who consume diet soda frequently over a decade is around 80% greater than that of those who do not consume diet soda. You can include weight loss drinks in your diet for effective results.

2. Increases The Risk Of Heart Attack

Many studies have shown that drinking diet soda regularly can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Over the last decade, over 2,000 people who consume these beverages on a daily basis have developed heart problems.

3. Harmful Artificial Sweeteners

Manufacturers emphasize that their product is sugar-free, which is true, but this is a half-truth. Diet coke has artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which is harmful to the human body. These sweeteners will have many side effects, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, and depression.

4. Contains Carcinogens

Did you know diet coke contains caramel coloring? Caramel coloring is created by heating sulfites and ammonia. After heating these two chemicals, we get carcinogens. However, tests on mice and rats showed that such chemicals in high doses can cause tumors in the thyroid, lungs, and liver.

5. Makes Bones Weak

According to many studies, consuming any type of soda can worsen osteoporosis. A few observations revealed that the bone mineral density among women drinkers was 4-5% lower than that of those who drank healthier beverages.

Also, Read: Green Coffee For Weight Loss Is A Great Beverage To Shed Kilos

Is Diet Coke Healthy Than Regular Coke For Weight Loss?

Firstly, if you want to lose weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit. This means you need to consume less energy than you expend.

The thought of swapping a 500-ml bottle of Coke, in which total calories are 200 kcal and 50g sugar, with a 500-ml bottle of Diet Coke, which has 4 kcal of total calories and 0 g of sugar. Which is much more appealing? Undoubtedly, diet coke, correct? But what about the huge amounts of aspartame?

So, always swap these beverages for ones with natural food contents. Such as with fruits, fresh juice, nimbu pani, etc.

A Word From Fitelo

Reading the above points, you might have learned about the question, “Is diet coke healthy?” Diet Coke or any regular soda is not a miracle cure to lose weight. It will promote weight gain in your body. There is no nutritional value in diet coke. So, strictly avoid diet coke in your daily routine. However, you can drink it occasionally, but just for taste. Instead of drinking diet coke, start consuming coconut water, fresh juice, green coffee, etc., these will even help you in your weight loss journey. But if you like fizzy drinks but are trying to shed weight, swap to diet versions that can support weight loss.

Success Story Of Komal: Incredible Weight Loss Journey

“Adapting to a healthy lifestyle requires a lot of determination,” says Komaldeep from Newland who lost 14 kgs in just 90 days. She reached out to us concerned about his health and increasing weight. However, our Fitelo dietitians worked closely with Komaldeep and understood everything about her routine, lifestyle, and habits. Also, they provided her customized diet plans with multiple cheat meal options that helped a lot throughout her weight loss journey. Read the full story and see how she achieved her desired weight!

Success Story Of Komal: Incredible Weight Loss Journey – Fitelo

Extreme Weight Loss Slush Recipe

This weight loss slush is a delicious drink for summer that will keep you hydrated and help you lose weight too. Here’s a simple recipe for making slush at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Diet Coke Good For Weight Loss?

Ans: No, diet coke is not healthy for weight to lose. As it has added sugar, acids, and other flavoring food additives which are not good for the human body.

Q: Why Is Diet Coke Healthy?

Ans: Diet coke doesn’t contain real sugar or calories it does contain a lot of additives and artificial ingredients including sweeteners. These ingredients are full of unnatural chemicals that can cause your body to crave more high-calorie and sugar-laden foods.

Q: Is Diet Coke Healthy Than Regular Coke?

Ans: Diet coke is just as bad as regular soda. Despite being low or zero calories, diet coke offers no nutritional value whatsoever. Diet Coke is not a healthy drink but if it helps you to reduce your calorie intake by simply switching from regular coke to diet coke, then it can support weight loss.

Q: Is Diet Coke Perfect For You To Lose Weight?

Ans: Since there’s no “real sugar” added to diet soda, isn’t it a good option to quell a sweet craving and therefore, lose weight? According to new research, diet soda is not helpful when it comes to weight loss.

Q: Is Diet Coke Good For Your Stomach?

Ans: No, diet coke or any regular soda is not healthy for the stomach. Overconsumption of diet coke can cause bloating and general discomfort.  

Q: Should Diabetic People Drink Diet Coke?

Ans: Infrequent small amounts of Diet Coke should be ok for diabetics. This area requires more research, but any diabetic should look to avoid any food or drink that may cause disturbances to their sugar regulation and weight loss strategy.

Fun Fact

Weight Loss is a major issue for many people and losing weight is not easy. Moreover, weight loss and metabolism are interrelated to lose weight you need to fix your metabolism. In case to understand this better read more.

Contact Us Today

We understand it is a bit tricky which diet plan will work for you and which will not, it can be complicated and confusing, hence you need to consult a professional. So, contact us today if you are looking for a customized diet plan or any diet plans, and we will help you fulfill your new year’s resolution.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.