The Alluring Brown Color That Defines Coca-Cola. However, in the long run, these brown hues can also lead to tooth discoloration and cavities.
Coca-Cola has a large consumer base. However, due to its high sugar content and lack of essential nutrients, it is considered an unhealthy beverage.
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of Coca-Cola may reduce your lifespan. (Image: Shutterstock).
Here are 5 things that may happen to your body when you drink a can of Coca-Cola.
Blood Sugar Spikes and Drops
A can of Coca-Cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 145 calories, and 30-55 mg of caffeine, which is close to the maximum daily sugar intake recommended by doctors. In fact, according to a report from Medical News Today, Niraj Naik, a British pharmacist, compared the effects of drinking a can of Coca-Cola to using heroin.
The first 40 minutes is when the body absorbs caffeine. This causes the pupils to dilate and blood pressure to rise as the liver releases more sugar into the bloodstream. At the same time, the adenosine receptors in the brain, which induce sleepiness, will close, helping to prevent lethargy. In other words, you will feel more alert at this moment.
However, according to Infographic, the way Coca-Cola stimulates these centers can be likened to the effects of heroin. It triggers a craving for another can of Coca-Cola. An hour after consumption, the process of metabolizing sugar begins to cause discomfort and drowsiness.
“Coca-Cola does not contain healthy fats, proteins, or fibers. Therefore, it cannot sustain energy levels. The sugar consumed in Coca-Cola immediately causes a spike in blood sugar, which subsequently drops,” says nutrition expert Lauran Manaker.
However, Manaker also notes that the sugar content in Coca-Cola can be beneficial in some cases, particularly for those with hypoglycemia.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
According to a 2010 study, individuals who consume 1-2 cans of sugary beverages daily have a 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not consume sugary drinks.
Drinking sugar-laden sodas causes the body to store excess energy as fat. This can lead to weight gain, overweight, obesity, and potentially advance to type 2 diabetes.
High sugar content in soda can lead to tooth erosion and cavities. (Image: Shutterstock).
Tooth Discoloration and Cavities
The alluring brown color that defines Coca-Cola can also contribute to tooth discoloration and cavities over time.
According to the International Journal of Dentistry, darker sodas are more likely to stain the surface of your teeth. Additionally, the high sugar content in soda can lead to erosion and cavities.
“Coca-Cola has a pH of about 2.5, which is highly acidic, leading to calcium depletion in tooth enamel when consumed excessively,” explains Jack Hirschfeld, a lecturer at Lake Erie College.
Reduced Lifespan
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of Coca-Cola can shorten your lifespan.
Specifically, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that individuals who regularly consume sugary and artificially sweetened beverages like Coca-Cola have a 26% higher risk of mortality.
Furthermore, according to a study published in the journal Circulation, the inflammatory properties of carbonated soft drinks can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, raising the risk of heart attack by 20%.
Weight Gain and Obesity Risk
“Coca-Cola is made with added sugars and does not provide any fibers, proteins, or healthy fats. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to weight gain,” Manaker states.
With 145 calories per can, the original-flavored Coca-Cola is also sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a common ingredient used to sweeten beverages, which is associated with obesity risk.
