Guest Post by Edibel Quintero, RD; originally published on Health Reporter
co*ke Zero is a zero-calorie version of the classic Coca-Cola beverage. It uses artificial sweeteners in place of sugar and is marketed as a healthier option. It is commonly favored among those trying to reduce or manage their blood sugar levels or their body weight.
Diet sodas, like co*ke Zero, are often suggested as a good option for those with diabetes as they are sugar-free, but are they actually better for you?
In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at co*ke Zero as an option for those with diabetes and whether or not it is the better option. Take a look now to find out more about this diet soda.
Can People With Diabetes Drink co*ke Zero?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer as to whether co*ke Zero or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is suitable for those with diabetes. Though the drink contains no calories and is sugar-free, there is a concern as to the inclusion of artificial sweeteners due to the effects these sugar substitutes can have on those with diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners are usually touted as the healthier choice when choosingbetween sugar and sweeteners. This is because they contain no calories and tend to havemuch lower glycemic loadsthan sugar.
However, research into the effects of artificial sweeteners on those with diabetes suggests that they may not be the healthier option at all. Indeed, some sweeteners, likesucralose, may actually decrease insulin sensitivity, and the use of artificial sweeteners, in general,has been linkedto higher insulin resistance.
In addition,many criticsof artificial sweeteners,sugar alcohols, and novel sweeteners have linked the compounds to cancer, digestive conditions, and other issues, though research is very limited and contradictory.
Does co*ke Zero Raise Blood Sugar?
In the short term, co*ke Zero Sugar will not raise blood sugar levels. This is because artificial sweeteners have no carbohydrate content nor glycemic load. However, some research suggests that sweeteners may have an effect on blood sugar levels in the long term.
co*ke Zero, Diet co*ke, and other diet sodas all utilize artificial sweeteners for replacing refined sugar like high fructose corn syrup and other added sugar. This is to make the beverages calorie-free and to ensure they have little effect on blood sugar levels. But artificial sweeteners may actually cause problems in the long term.
A study on ratsfound that long-term use of artificial sweeteners could alter gut bacteria, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. The results have not been replicated in humans, and the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners are unknown.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Drink co*ke Zero
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, or co*ke Zero, is often considered the healthiest choice when it comes to diet soda; however, there are many reasons why you should avoid drinking co*ke Zero. Below, we’ve summarized a few of the reasons for this.
#1 Increased risk of developing heart disease
There is some evidence to suggest that co*ke Zero may put you at an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life. Indeed,a study of womenwho had no previous signs of heart disease showed that consumption of artificially sweetened beverages increased the risk of developing the condition.
The study also showed an increased risk of stroke in those who drank diet Cola beverages, like co*ke Zero and Diet co*ke. However, the results have not yet been replicated, and more research may be needed to confirm the link.
#2 Increase risk of developing kidney disease
Phosphorus is a mineral that the kidneys usually filter out of the blood; however, the high content of this mineral in diet drinks, like co*ke Zero and Diet co*ke, may cause damage to the kidneys. This can put you at an increased risk of developing kidney disease.
Indeed,one study showsthat drinking diet sodas to excess can double your risk of developing renal disease.
#3 May lead to weight gain
Though drinking diet sodas, like co*ke Zero and Diet co*ke, is often recommended on reduced-calorie diets, they may nothelp with weight lossas much as previously thought. Indeed, though drinking co*ke Zero can help you reduce your calorie intake, the artificial sweetener content may actually increase weight gain instead.
Consuming co*ke Zero and other artificially sweetened beverages has been shown toincrease waist circumferenceandincrease overall body weight, despite eating a reduced calorie intake.
Obesity and being overweightcan be linkedto a number of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, and some kinds of cancer.
#4 May cause poor blood sugar control
Though artificially sweetened drinks, like co*ke Zero and other sugar-free sodas, do not contain any actual sugar, there is concern that these sugar-free sodas contain artificial sweeteners that can create an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
This imbalance may lead to an increase in blood sugar and an inability to control blood sugar levels.
In addition, some sweeteners have been linked to increased insulin resistance, which can up your chances of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. While co*ke Zero is the low-calorie alternative to the original sugar-sweetened beverage, these co*ke beverages may not be all that much better for you, even if they do help you reduce your sugar intake.
#5 Could increase your risk of developing osteoporosis
There is evidence to suggest that frequent consumption of Coca-Cola, and other soft drinks of the like, may result inlower bone mineral density. These results are replicated in those who choose co*ke Zero and other artificially sweetened drinks.
Osteoporosisis when the bone mineral density is depleted, leading to weak and brittle bones. This can cause bones to break more easily and with very little stress.
Conclusion
co*ke Zero Sugar is a calorie-free, sugarless beverage that offers what is considered a healthier alternative to regular soda. While co*ke Zero does not contain any sugar, it is sweetened artificially, which means it may not be as healthy as it once seemed.
While sweeteners are great for reducing your caloric intake and controlling blood sugar, they have still been linked to many health conditions and could actually increase your blood sugar levels over time.
Those with diabetes should consider avoiding co*ke Zero and other diet sodas and instead consume water and other more diabetes-friendly beverages instead.
