12 facts about zero soda that everyone needs to know

Zero sodas are on the shelves of all supermarkets and are part of the daily diet of many people. Guaranteed to be calorie free, they are seen by most as a healthier option to drink soda, and true? Allies? of those who want to control weight.

But in practice, it is not quite so. There is a lot of controversy on the subject, and most professionals make sure that drinking this type of soda is bad for your health.

But what kind of trouble can zero soda consumption cause? Is it really suitable for those who want to lose weight? These are just some of the main questions on the subject.


Here are some interesting facts about this type of drink so that you can draw your own conclusions:

1. What is zero soda? Is it the same as diet and light?

To understand if there is any difference between such denominations, one must know that diet is a nutrient free product. In the case of soft drinks, what happens is the exemption of sugars. The definition of light product should be used in those with a minimum reduction of 25% in some nutrient or calories (when compared to conventional food).

Also read: 10 foods that look healthy but aren't


The term "zero" It usually indicates that the product is "zero sugar", which is actually synonymous with a diet without sugar. However, these different denomination bets are probably part of a marketing strategy to reach different audiences with very similar products.

To cite a known example: Coke Zero contains carbonated water, cola extract, caffeine, sweeteners and food additives, according to information on the soda website. In 200ml of drink there is 0 kcal and 28mg of sodium.

It is important to remember that the first unsweetened Coke was named Diet Coke. However, for commercial reasons, the name was changed to Coca-Cola Light and such a change was allowed because, technically, a diet product is also light (as it reduces some component by more than 25%).


Then Coca-Cola Zero was launched, which differs from Light in its composition of sweeteners that replace sugar. According to information from the brand's own website, the difference is in the taste. Each formula uses its own blend of sweeteners, which produces a different and special taste.

In the case of Guarana Antarctica Zero, also for knowledge on the composition of the product, the ingredients are: carbonated water, guarana extract, citric acid acidulant, sweeteners, aspartame (34.8mg / 100ml) and potassium acesulfame (9.0mg / 100ml), conservative sodium benzoate, flavoring and caramel coloring IV. According to information on the product website, 200 ml of soda has 0kcal and 11mg of sodium.

Also read: 10 Worst Foods For Humans

Despite the different denominations, there is really little cause for confusion: light, diet or zero sodas are virtually the same, offer little or no calories and are sugar free.

2. What is the difference between zero refrigerant and normal refrigerant?

Paula Crook, nutritionist at Patrícia Bertolucci Consultoria, explains that conventional soft drinks have an average of 150 calories and lots of sugar. “Zero soda contains no sugar and no calories, but it has artificial sweeteners that are unhealthy and may increase the risk of cancer. As for chemical additives, both have a large amount in their composition ?, says.

3. Is zero soda suitable for dieters? Doesn't it really get fat?

Dietitian Paula explains that while zero soda is calorie-free, it should not be said to help with weight loss. Research shows that zero soda consumers have a 70 percent increase in waist circumference compared to people who don't. This is due to the way artificial sweeteners confuse taste buds and psychological factors that lead to the right to consume more calorie foods since they are not consuming calories in the drink ?, he says.

For the medical nurse Ana Luisa Vilela, for people who want to lose weight, the solution is not to consume any type.

"The big problem with soft drinks is that even those that do not contain sugar in the composition and therefore have a much lower caloric value still have sodium, colorings, acidulants, preservatives and syrup." all that, in excess, are bad for your health ?, adds the medical nutritionist.

Read also: 10 replacements to make your diet healthier in summer

Also, many people who want to control weight take this type of sugar-free soda with the idea of ​​"compensation". But there's no point in drinking zero? and continue with inappropriate eating habits. What really loses weight is a food reeducation, and the consumption of foods that offer benefits to the body.

4. Can excessive consumption of zero soda pose health problems?

Paula points out that zero sodas contain high levels of phosphate and have deleterious effects on bone health. "In addition, they can damage kidney health, cause water retention, compromised gastrointestinal tract, increased blood pressure, wear out tooth enamel, lead to obesity and even increase the risk of developing cancer," he warns.

5. Can the person eventually drink zero soda or is it better to opt for the normal soda?

Paula recalls that soft drinks do not bring any benefit to the body. "Whether zero or normal, they should be avoided as much as possible because of their acidity and excess chemical additives," he says.

For Ana Luisa, soda is never a healthy option, regardless of version.

6. What type of sweetener is used in zero soda?

The most commonly used non-caloric sweeteners are saccharin, acesulfame-K, cyclamate and aspartame. Usually, the association of two or more is used in each drink.

7. Is there a safe and healthy amount of zero soda to take?

The ideal is not to consume sodas, because in no amount they are considered healthy. The soda has such a high acidity that to neutralize the blood after consumption, it takes 30 glasses of pure water ?, highlights Paula.

8. What are healthy and refreshing substitutes for zero soda?

Nutritionist Paula points out that pure water is the best cooling drink for the human body, "as it is essential to many of our body processes."

"In addition to water we can opt for herbal teas, herbal flavored waters and natural fruit juices," adds the nutritionist.

Ana Luisa points out that a good? Exchange? is to opt for sparkling water with lemon. "It helps with this idea of ​​replacement and is much healthier," says the doctor.

9. Are zero fruit sodas healthier than cola?

Paula explains that the difference is very small. • Cola sodas have the most caffeine and IV yellow color. In common, cola soda and zero fruit soda have carbonated water, acidulant, preservative and artificial sweeteners ?, he says.

10. Are there any risk groups for which zero refrigerant is contraindicated?

Paula points out that during pregnancy, products with sweeteners should be avoided. Because some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, cyclamate or saccharin are able to cross the placental barrier and cause abnormalities or malformation in fetal development. As there are still few studies proving or not the risk of these sweeteners to human fetuses, their use should be prevented during pregnancy in a preventive way?

11. Is it possible to get rid of? Addiction? in zero sodas?

Just as in the case of cigarettes, it is ideal to stop drinking the soda at once. Initially the person will probably experience undesirable effects such as headache, dizziness, lack of mood and irritability. However, after a week the symptoms go away?

"In this process, it is still important to consume large amounts of water and a nutritious diet," adds the nutritionist.

12. Is zero soda suitable for diabetics?

Ana Luisa reminds that, for diabetics, the consumption must be of products without sugar. Therefore, for this public, zero soda (or, by its name, diet) is the best option (when compared to conventional soda).

Anyway, remember: soft drinks, regardless of version, are not healthy options.

For diabetics, as well as for people who wish to lose / control their weight, it is best to talk to a nutritionist or doctor who can advise them on the consumption of these types of sodas.

Despite doubts and disagreements on the subject, one fact is consensus: it is best not to consume soda (of any kind).

Who Invented Diet Soda? (April 2024)


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