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[Larogue]

Absolutely as healthy as water. Its just carbonated water with flavors, and calories free sweetener.

 

[Davey Cakes]

Coke and healthy are mutually exclusive.

I have access to unlimited soda at work. I only drink water.

Drink water.

I do. Plenty of it. But I like my diet soda too.

It doesn't have to be one or the other.

And I've been drinking the stuff for years now. No problems so far. I'm glad I can have something that tastes nice but isn't 40g of sugar and 150 calories per can.

Regular soda and diet soda are not equally unhealthy.

 

[hydrophilic attack]

Are there any good drinks that aren't sugary or filled with artificial sugar? Juices, sodas, flavored water, its all sugary

Coffee and unflavoured tea

 

[elrechazado]

Clueless fear posters suck tbh.

There's no peer-reviewed evidence that the ingredients in Zero or other popular diet drinks in the global marketplace are harmful. It is a totally fine alternative to sugar drinks if you need to spare the calories for your health.

Something something natural fallacy

 

[AnAnole]

Right, and my point is that none of the stuff you posted in favour of your point addressed blood sugar. They only addreessed weight loss. (Well, one of your links talked about blood sugar, citing 40 year old research.)



Coffee and unflavoured tea

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/12/2184.full

Augmenting GLP-1 secretion is a good thing. It's one of the mechanisms why bariatric surgery immediately resolves diabetes. GLP-1 agonists are routinely used to treat diabetes and are also used to induce weight loss.

Artificial sweeteners do not increase serum glucose or alter insulin, either:

http://journals.cambridge.org/actio...e=online&aid=8266996&fileId=S000711451000512X

Glucose and, too a much lesser extrent, frutctose both cause an increase in blood glucose and a subsuquent increase in insulin secretion. Artificial sweeteners cause no change in either.

 

[Austriacus]

Right, and my point is that none of the stuff you posted in favour of your point addressed blood sugar. They only addreessed weight loss. (Well, one of your links talked about blood sugar, citing 40 year old research.)

The study presented conclusions about glucose intolerance, not about high sugar levels

While they can say that gut microbiota can affect glucose intolerance, you can not come here and say that would lead to high sugar levels since theres no actual sugar in the soda.

And if what the other poster said that only sacharin is what changes gut flora then the whole thing is a sham.

 

[Freshmaker]

It's certainly better for you than the real stuff is, simply on a glycemic index. But honestly, if you're going to drink large amounts of it, you're better off switching to water.

Citation needed.

There's no evidence it's unhealthy. Trutiness rules the roost on diet drink advice.

 

[GuyKazama]

It is flavored water. Drink all you want.

 

[grumble]

Absolutely as healthy as water. Its just carbonated water with flavors, and calories free sweetener.

This is true! except that it is very acidic, like most carbonated drinks, and will dissolve your tooth enamel.

Reading some of the other posts in this thread really highlights the degree of mythology around nutrition.

 

[The Lamp]

This always pops up on Reddit discussions about health and weight loss, and I love it. The general consensus there is that "Energy Balance" is the golden rule, but Zero Calorie drinks are magically an exception that they refuse to talk about. I drink Pepsi Max (probably 1-2 cans a day, 4 at most) and I refuse to believe it's anything short of straight poison, considering 2/3 of the ingredients are synthetic alternatives to naturally occurring things that are really bad for you. But according to Energy Balance it's no different than drinking water.

Let me explain some basic thermodynamics and material (mass and energy) balancing. I don't think you grasp it.

Zero calorie drinks are not a magical exception. "Zero calorie" just means the chemical involved is metabolically inert. It passes through the body's metabolism unused, undetected. It produces no calories of energy to the body's energy resources, and it requires no calories for the body to capture or utilize. It just passes through. Soluble dietary fiber is also "zero calorie". Your body doesn't have the enzyme to digest the chemical bonds in dietary fiber, so it passes through your body metabolically inert.

These are still chemicals, however. They still have mass. They still have energy. They can still react with other chemicals (gut bacteria can still interact with it, it can still react in some way inside your body, but just not through your metabolism). But in terms of your body's metabolism (the system your body uses to gain, use, and store energy), it doesn't participate in any way.

And what "synthetic alternatives to really bad natural things" are you talking about? You seem to be making a false equivalence. If something is different than something else, it doesn't matter if it's natural or synthetic, they are not the same, and they don't have the same physicochemical properties, and they don't have the same biological health effects.

 

[blame space]

it is perhaps the healthiest thing you can drink

 

[Nickle]

Just drink water. I've been drinking only water for 2 days and I already feel 40% superior to everyone else.

 

[JesseZao]

Coke: Salt

 

[le.phat]

Straight up, OP; lots of misinformation in here. I can only offer an opinion on why this issue is so beleaguered with inaccuracies. When something "tastes good", we logically infer that it must be unhealthy for us. After all, we know that sweetness means sugar, and sugar is unhealthy in large quantities. Therefore, logically, things that are sweet are inherently unhealthy. This is why so many people think that diet soda is unhealthy, yet have no discernable reason for their belief. The most common response is, "Well, it's soda, of course it's unhealthy."

Fact is, Coke Zero is basically water. Diet soft drinks are all essentially water. If my memory serves, there is some concern that the amino acids present could damage the teeth over time if overexposed, by eating away at the enamel, but I do not believe that has been firmly established yet. A straw works well, or just tilt your head back and pour it in. Otherwise, there is no negative effects to drinking diet soda. Drink as much as you like; drink ten a day if you want. Not only is it perfectly fine, you're probably staying more well-hydrated than those people who are judging you and drinking 2-3 cups of water a day.

Just remember, there will always be a massive amount of misinformation surrounding this issue. You'll never get the peace of mind of a unanimous agreement, but you make take solace in the fact that the science is on your side.

Excelsior!

Complete bullshit. Sweetened soda's play into a sugar addiction and will hardwire your brain for easy endorphin release, ultimately risking a high fructose/glucose diet which will run a fucking train on your body. Soda will also fiercely fuck up your teeth.

here's a general rule of thumb: ignore any food advice coming from US people on the internet. There are not many cultures that are as poorly informed on nutricients and diets as Americans.

Also, watch sugar story on Netflix if you want something substantial to base your own conclusions about sugary diets on.

 

[bomma_man]

Are there any good drinks that aren't sugary or filled with artificial sugar? Juices, sodas, flavored water, its all sugary

water
vodka

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

"Debunked" is being used a bit inappropriately in the thread - there's nothing wrong with the gut flora and blood sugar studies at the level the research is being done. It's just that the strong desire to extrapolate them into assumptions about health consequences is necessarily going to probably be more wrong than right - preliminary research simply gets it wrong more often than it nails something down early. Studies that have examined the relationship between diet soda and health outcomes have simply not shown the hypothesized risks to be true.

Yup. The only current practice is in patients who have gone through broad spectrum antibiotics and have c. diff. infections.

Complete bullshit. Sweetened soda's play into a sugar addiction and will hardwire your brain for easy endorphin release, ultimately risking a high fructose/glucose diet which will run a fucking train on your body. Soda will also fiercely fuck up your teeth.

here's a general rule of thumb: ignore any food advice coming from US people on the internet. There are not many cultures that are as poorly informed on nutricients and diets as Americans.

Also, watch sugar story on Netflix if you want something substantial to base your own conclusions about sugary diets on.

Regular sodas not diet ones.

 

[Korey]

Do people not understand that the bad part of regular soda is sugar?

Diet soda has no sugar in it. There's nothing inherently wrong with sodas as a beverage.

Drinking diet soda is like drinking flavored water.

 

[SURGEdude]

Did you guys know that the nature study found that only saccharin deleteriously altered gut microbiota. Saccharin isn't used in any artificially sweetened beveraged, as far as i'm aware.

In the states at least saccharin is still found in fountain Diet Coke and TaB.

That's why fountain Diet Coke tastes so different and has the flavor profile of dogshit.

 

[dejay]

Live on bean sprouts and water.

 

[SURGEdude]

Complete bullshit. Sweetened soda's play into a sugar addiction and will hardwire your brain for easy endorphin release, ultimately risking a high fructose/glucose diet which will run a fucking train on your body. Soda will also fiercely fuck up your teeth.

here's a general rule of thumb: ignore any food advice coming from US people on the internet. There are not many cultures that are as poorly informed on nutricients and diets as Americans.

Also, watch sugar story on Netflix if you want something substantial to base your own conclusions about sugary diets on.

@ Bolded
Well wherever you hail from certainly shouldn't be proud of the scientific literacy afforded to you. Everything you stated is junk science and FUD.

 

[Pedrito]

Just drink water. I've been drinking only water for 2 days and I already feel 40% superior to everyone else.

You also get to drink green tea and can indulge in a black coffee once in a while.

...and booze. Somehow, most straight edger water drinkers have no problem with booze.

 

[CodonAUG]

Food cannot be healthy.

People can be healthy, living animals can be healthy. Once you kill something to turn it into food, its not "healthy", its dead.

Coke and Coke Zero are not inherently healthy or unhealthy. Drink and eat things in moderation and it'll be fine.

 

[SURGEdude]

You also get to drink green tea and can indulge in a back coffee once in a while.

...and booze. Somehow, the straight edger water drinkers have no problem with booze.

Yup cuz alcohol isn't some toxin made in a lab by big business and forced down our throats like aspartame. People have been drinking booze for millennia and nothing bad has ever come of it.

 

[The Lamp]

Complete bullshit. Sweetened soda's play into a sugar addiction and will hardwire your brain for easy endorphin release, ultimately risking a high fructose/glucose diet which will run a fucking train on your body. Soda will also fiercely fuck up your teeth.

here's a general rule of thumb: ignore any food advice coming from US people on the internet. There are not many cultures that are as poorly informed on nutricients and diets as Americans.

Also, watch sugar story on Netflix if you want something substantial to base your own conclusions about sugary diets on.

That's unfair. Some of the policy differences between the European Comission and the FDA exist because the EC weighs the opinions of its ignorant public too heavily on policy decisions, such as GMOs.

I also saw plenty of the opinions on this thread during my 2 month tour of Europe.

 

[TheRedSnifit]

Complete bullshit. Sweetened soda's play into a sugar addiction and will hardwire your brain for easy endorphin release, ultimately risking a high fructose/glucose diet which will run a fucking train on your body. Soda will also fiercely fuck up your teeth.

here's a general rule of thumb: ignore any food advice coming from US people on the internet. There are not many cultures that are as poorly informed on nutricients and diets as Americans.

Also, watch sugar story on Netflix if you want something substantial to base your own conclusions about sugary diets on.

This thread and that post are about zero-calorie, non-sweetened soda.

Guess they never taught you how to read in your country.

 

[The Lamp]

Yup cuz alcohol isn't some toxin made in a lab by big business and forced down our throats like aspartame. People have been drinking booze for millennia and nothing bad has ever come of it.

Please tell me this is a joke.

 

[SURGEdude]

Please tell me this is a joke.

Yup. Just a little jab at the Food Babe's legions that seem to have infected Gaf as well.

That's unfair. Some of the policy differences between the European Comission and the FDA exist because the EC weighs the opinions of its ignorant public too heavily on policy decisions, such as GMOs.

I also saw plenty of the opinions on this thread during my 2 month tour of Europe.

Yeah it's kinda crazy. My poor view of US policy in general and the American public as a whole are clear from my post history and hardly make me a rah rah 'murica #1 type. Yet stuff like GMO and "toxin" paranoia seems to have infested Western Europe to a fascinating extent.

To some extent the laissez faire attitude of American consumers has let scientists and regulators do their job without backlash from the hysterical selective science deniers.

 

[kopitarrulez_11]

How bad is it to have 1 soda can a day I try limiting to 1 a day
Also drink 4 bottles of water at least a day

 

[Freshmaker]

How bad is it to have 1 soda can a day I try limiting to 1 a day

Should be fine. More than 2 sugared per day is where it goes bad. Diet drinks... Doesn't really do anything.

Also drink 4 bottles of water at least a day

4 liters a day is 2x more than most need. Also your soda counts towards that water total.

 

[SURGEdude]

Should be fine. More than 2 sugared per day is where it goes bad. Diet drinks... Doesn't really do anything.

4 liters a day is 2x more than most need. Also your soda counts towards that water total.

If he's American I'd imagine his standard bottle of water is 16.9-20oz not a full liter.

 

[AlexBasch]

Anything that is not water is poison.

 

[erlim]

1. Replace your daily soda intake with water.

2. Realize you don't miss it that much and live a healthier life.

3. Profit.

What really helped me in vastly cutting soda intake was just getting used to and developing a taste for sparkling water.

 

[Gutek]

This is true! except that it is very acidic, like most carbonated drinks, and will dissolve your tooth enamel.

Reading some of the other posts in this thread really highlights the degree of mythology around nutrition.

Minimally. This is not worth worrying about.

 

[Freshmaker]

Anything that is not water is poison.

Unless you live in MI. Then be careful of any fluid.

 

[True Savior]

If our body has 60% water and Cola Zero has 99% water , a can or two only strengthens the body.

Arithmetic doesn't fool you.

 

[V_Arnold]

ITT Thread drugs and constant alcohol consumption is fine, but do not you DARE drink Coke. Especially not Coke Zero. That is the Devil in disguise. Jesus.

Anything that is not water is poison.

Well, look at that, Diet coke is 99% water.

 

[Antiwhippy]

Anything that is not water is poison.

Water is actually poison though.

 

[Langdon Alger]

It's junk.

No nutritional value.

edit: Kidney Stones come from lack of water. Those who drink tons of soda, don't drink water.

Coke Zero is like 99% water.

 

[Thorgal]

ITT Thread drugs and constant alcohol consumption is fine, but do not you DARE drink Coke. Especially not Coke Zero. That is the Devil in disguise. Jesus.




Well, look at that, Diet coke is 99% water.

Funnily enough, wasn't one of the ingredients when Cola was first made actual coicaine, or was that a myth?

 

[Sutton Dagger]

Preservatives that do what exactly for your health? They're all validated by the FDA. I don't think you're in a position to overthrow the data that says beverage preservatives are safe.

As for artificial flavoring, that also inherently has no effect on your health compared to natural flavoring. Artificial just means it was precisely chemically synthesized as opposed to extracted from raw food materials. But it's the same chemical.

Coke Zero is harmless. It's sugar and calorie free.

The amount of irrational opinions GAFers hold about food is a little alarming given how usually scientifically literate/rational this community is. People fear the chemistry they don't understand, I suppose.

Omg this.... I'm blown away by the comments claiming a variety of supposed negatives to drinking diet soda.

 

[V_Arnold]

Omg this.... I'm blown away by the comments claiming a variety of supposed negatives to drinking diet soda.

What do you mean? It kills you, gives you kidney stones, diabetes, cancer and rotten teeth at the same time. Also, drops your IQ, cancels your netflix subscription and makes you unlikable.

Now, give me some steak and beer to wash off the stench of this thread, please!

 

[SlickShoes]

I love Coca Cola, I don't care what it's doing to my body. I also drink water frequently too.

To say that Coke Zero tastes like regular Coke is a horrible uninformed statement, it's trash tier compared my full sugar sweetheart.

Coke is Life, not Coke Life though that stuff also tastes like complete crap.

 

[Mendrox]

My diabetic granduncle has been drinking diet sodas for ages, and most studies say that they don't raise your blood-sugar levels, so...

Unless there are more studies in general it's best not to take one study in isolation.

Two of my good friends are diabetic too and only drink Diet Coke, because they have sugar and it helps them to manage the level way easier.

Still people and that shouldn't surprise anyone... drink sodas in moderation. Chemical things are never good for anyone so just don't drink a liter every day (your teeth will thank you if you didn't win the genetic lottery since you were born).

I just think that it is funny that some soda addicts want to justify their addiction with "Blabla but it isn't unhealthy" - it clearly is and it doesn't matter which kind of soda.

But America has definitly a soda problem as I heard from Au Pair friends that were there longer than a year and the literally couldn't believe that so many people only drink this shit. Seltzer is the way (or only water just to be even more healthy).

Edit: Also every time I drink a soda (diet e.g.) I crave things way more with sugar or fat.. not that I mind, but I always overeat then. Also the most important point for me is... price. Here in Germany I can get at least 3x - 4x the amount of water which I would get Cola for.

 

[Sutton Dagger]

What do you mean? It kills you, gives you kidney stones, diabetes, cancer and rotten teeth at the same time. Also, drops your IQ, cancels your netflix subscription and makes you unlikable.

Now, give me some steak and beer to wash off the stench of this thread, please!

You Monster!!!!!!

 

[The Dutch Slayer]

Coca Cola is not healthy for you and that should be the end of the conversation.

 

[EASTC0AST_GH05T]

Either way, Coca Cola wants your money.

So does Fiji, Poland Springs, Evian and all the other water companies, what's your point?

 

[Sutton Dagger]

Two of my good friends are diabetic too and only drink Diet Coke, because they have sugar and it helps them to manage the level way easier.

Still people and that shouldn't surprise anyone... drink sodas in moderation. Chemical things are never good for anyone so just don't drink a liter every day (your teeth will thank you if you didn't win the genetic lottery since you were born).

I just think that it is funny that some soda addicts want to justify their addiction with "Blabla but it isn't unhealthy" - it clearly is and it doesn't matter which kind of soda.

But America has definitly a soda problem as I heard from Au Pair friends that were there longer than a year and the literally couldn't believe that so many people only drink this shit. Seltzer is the way (or only water just to be even more healthy).

Especially that chemical H2O, they use that shit to make cement and that, so dangerous.

Fun fact, I drink Coke Zero maybe once a fortnight, I just don't like people spreading misinformation. Please provide evidence detailing in what way zero calorie drinks are 'unhealthy'.

 

[JimmyRustler]

It's healthier than normal Coke, that's for sure.

But how healthy is it? Not at all.

Just drink it in moderation and you'll be ok. 2 liter water per day in addition to whatever else you drink.

 

[SMattera]

That's obviously my experience. I purposely chose to do nothing different except cutting out the diet drinks (I also didn't go back to regular soft drink).

My diet remained the same and I stopped working out to see. I was around 76kg and just could not get down no matter what I tried. I adjusted my diet to eat better, started working out an extra day per week, nothing. No change.

As soon as I cut out the diet soft drink. 6kg just dropped off in 2 months. That's also stopping the gym strangely enough.

This was probably the contributing factor to your weight loss.

People equate working out to weight loss, but it's not true.

Working out stimulates the appetite. So, if you stopped working out, you probably cut back on your food intake. Particularly if your workouts centered around a lot of cardio.

If your goal is to lose weight, the gym -- by itself -- is not going to help you much.

 

[Matt]

Two of my good friends are diabetic too and only drink Diet Coke, because they have sugar and it helps them to manage the level way easier.

Still people and that shouldn't surprise anyone... drink sodas in moderation. Chemical things are never good for anyone so just don't drink a liter every day (your teeth will thank you if you didn't win the genetic lottery since you were born).

I just think that it is funny that some soda addicts want to justify their addiction with "Blabla but it isn't unhealthy" - it clearly is and it doesn't matter which kind of soda.

But America has definitly a soda problem as I heard from Au Pair friends that were there longer than a year and the literally couldn't believe that so many people only drink this shit. Seltzer is the way (or only water just to be even more healthy).

Edit: Also every time I drink a soda (diet e.g.) I crave things way more with sugar or fat.. not that I mind, but I always overeat then. Also the most important point for me is... price. Here in Germany I can get at least 3x - 4x the amount of water which I would get Cola for.

Diet Coke does not have sugar in it, so I don't know what you mean by that. As for "chemical things are never good for anyone," literally everything you consume is a chemical thing.