Even though Diet Coke has no calories or sugar, it is not a good drink in the long run (Pic: Instagram/iStock)
It is well known that US President Donald Trump loves downing a dozen Diet Coke, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s staples. When he was campaigning, the 78-year-old inhaled Fillets-o-Fish and Big Macs, savoured bacon, eggs, and sausage, and snacked on Oreos.
His love of the bubbly beverage and deep-fried foods is also shared by many Americans.
Is Diet Coke harmful?
While health experts say 12 cans is a lot of soda to consume in one day, several studies have time and again suggested the potential consequences can be alarming. A 12-ounce can of regular Coke has 140 calories along with almost 40 grams of sugar. However, even though Diet Coke has no calories or sugar, it is not a good drink in the long run.
Diet soda is considered a good short-term substitute for those trying to stay away from the high sugar content of regular soda when consumed in small amounts. However, research says artificial sweeteners confuse the brain and the body, desensitising consumers to sugar and leading them to consume more sweets without being aware of their calorie intake.
Packed with aspartame along with preservatives and artificial and natural flavours, diet Coke and other artificially sweetened drinks can increase your appetite and the desire for sweets. Studies say just 30 minutes after drinking either a diet soda containing aspartame or the same amount of regular soda, the body reacts with similar concentrations of glucose and insulin.
The long-term health effect includes a higher risk for dehydration, along with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke, as well as dementia.
Can cause stroke
CNN reported a Boston University School of Medicine study conducted last year that found that those who reported drinking at least one can of an artificially sweetened soft drink daily were almost three times as likely to have a stroke caused by a blood clot, compared with those who avoided these diet beverages.
Increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease
One-a-day diet soda drinkers are also almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as compared to those who don’t.
Doctors say artificial sweeteners like saccharin, acesulfame-K, and aspartame are the main reasons behind this.
Affects oral health
Drinking diet soda can also have an effect on your oral health. A study said both the regular and diet versions of cola beverages caused the same amount of tooth enamel dissolution, leading to enamel erosion.
Diet sodas are packed with acids, which contribute to tooth and enamel loss in the long run.
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