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Study Shows That Coca Zero Has More Than Double the Sodium of Regular Coca-Cola: 49 Mg Versus Only 18 Mg, Raising Questions About Its Health Impacts.
The comparison between Coca Zero and Regular Coca-Cola goes beyond the calorie count. While the former is marketed as a “healthier” alternative, experts warn that it contains more than double the sodium in a 350 ml can: 49 mg in Coca Zero compared to only 18 mg in the traditional version.
According to Dr. Fernando Lemos from the channel Planeta Intestino, the discussion cannot be limited to sugar.
“Frequent consumption of sodas, whether sweetened or zero, has serious consequences for the body, especially due to the presence of sodium, artificial sweeteners, and chemical additives.”
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Ingredients: Why Coca Zero Draws More Attention
When analyzing the labels, Regular Coca-Cola has seven ingredients, while Coca Zero lists 11. The longer the list of additives, the greater the risk of unknown substances for the body.
Among the compounds in the zero version are sodium cyclamate, potassium acesulfame, and aspartame, all linked to adverse effects on the gut microbiota.
According to Dr. Fernando Lemos, these artificial sweeteners can cause dysbiosis, increasing harmful bacteria known as firmicutes and reducing beneficial species like Akkermansia muciniphila.
This poses a risk of leaky gut, decreased immunity, obesity, and even an increased chance of colon cancer.
The Impact of Sodium in Coca Zero and Regular Coca-Cola
The difference in sodium between Coca Zero and Regular Coca-Cola is also concerning. Although 49 mg per can is not considered an extreme amount, daily consumption can contribute to fluid retention and hypertension.
Dr. Fernando Lemos explains that the issue is not only about the quantity, but also about the frequency. Those who frequently consume sodas accumulate sodium and additives in the body, which can accelerate inflammatory processes and harm cardiovascular health.
And the Artificial Sweeteners?
For many consumers, the absence of sugar in Coca Zero seems like an advantage. However, research cited by Dr. Fernando Lemos indicates that artificial sweeteners act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormonal production and even increasing the risk of glucose intolerance, known as pre-diabetes.
Moreover, some compounds present in Coca Zero, such as sodium cyclamate, have been banned in countries like the United States and Japan since 1969, but are still allowed in Brazil.
This discrepancy raises questions about food safety standards.
Which to Choose: Coca Zero or Regular Coca-Cola?
According to Dr. Fernando Lemos, neither version should be consumed daily. Regular Coca-Cola, despite its sugar and calories (149 kcal per can), contains ingredients that are more recognizable by the body, while Coca Zero presents greater risks due to its high sodium content and artificial sweeteners.
“If I had to choose between Coca Zero and Regular Coca-Cola, I would go for the traditional version, but only occasionally. The ideal continues to be substituting soda with water or natural juices,” says the doctor.
The comparison between Coca Zero and Regular Coca-Cola reveals that the choice is not simple.
While the former eliminates sugar and calories, it carries more sodium and artificial sweeteners with effects still being debated by science. On the other hand, the traditional version contains excessive sugar, associated with weight gain and inflammation.
And you, do you usually opt for Coca Zero or Regular Coca-Cola? Do you believe that one of them is truly less harmful, or do you think both should be avoided?
Leave your opinion in the comments; your feedback could help others reflect on their habits.
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