Why Is Coca-Cola Unhealthy?

Components

Although the exact makeup of Coca-Cola remains a secret recipe, there are many things that are widely known to go into the product that account for its nutritional value. The ingredients found on most Coca-Cola product labels include carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors and caffeine that make up all of the calories, sodium, sugar and carbohydrates in the drink. Aspartame, potassium benzoate and citric acid are added to diet flavors.

Effects

Coca-Cola has been deemed unhealthy for a number of reasons. One can of Coke can contain about 10 percent sugar. Large amounts of sugar in a person's diet are related to high stress levels, and while it doesn't directly cause diabetes, it can worsen a diabetic's situation. Sugar also contributes to weakening immune systems because yeast and bacteria in the body feed on sugar. It can even speed the aging process when it becomes attached to proteins, which causes a loss in elasticity. In diet drinks, the sugar is substituted with saccharin (or aspartame) to provide a sweetener, and has been researched as a possible cause of bladder cancer. There are also a small percentage of people who cannot physically metabolize the amino acid in aspartame, causing it to build up in the bloodstream. High-fructose corn syrup is metabolized differently in the human body than natural sugars because the corn syrup is a product of genetically altered plants. Nutritionists have scrutinized connections between obesity, diabetes and high-fructose corn syrup. The potassium benzoate used in Coke products harms DNA in mitochondria of cells in the body, inactivating their ability to produce energy. Another health issue is that the recurrent exposure of the acid added to Coca-Cola contributes to the probability of tooth decay because of its reaction with calcium in teeth. The phosphoric acid is dangerous for those with a pre-existing stomach ulcer. Coca-Cola is also known to be a highly caffeinated beverage, and substantial caffeine intake acts as a diuretic and has negative effects, including hyperactivity.

Uses

Coca-Cola can be used in moderation to help in certain medical situations, such as upset stomachs, re-hydration and to unclog medicinal feeding lines. The acid in the drink can be used to alleviate wasp stings; the sweetness assists in attracting rats and, if ingested, will eventually cause them to explode from not being able to eject the gas built up from the bubbles. Coke is also used as an oil stain remover and to wash away blood from roadside accidents.