Coca-Cola Zero, manufactured by the Coca-Cola company, is a soda that is similar in taste to the original Coke product but without the sugar and calories. Although this beverage is less likely to cause weight gain, it still offers no nutritional benefits. In addition, some of the ingredients in Coke Zero may be troublesome for some individuals. If you are concerned about the way Coke Zero may affect your health, consult a doctor.
Coke Zero Nutrition Facts
Coke Zero contains 0 calories, 0 g of fat, 40 mg sodium, 0 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of protein. Coke Zero does not contain a significant amount of fats, fiber, cholesterol, sugars, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium or iron. These nutrition facts indicate that while Coke Zero is not necessarily unhealthy, it does not offer the vitamins, minerals or other nutrients your body needs.
Ingredients
Coke Zero contains carbonated water, caramel color, aspartame, phosphoric acid, benzoate, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium and natural flavors. It also contains 34 mg of caffeine per each 12 fluid oz. serving.
Safety of Aspartame
Although many websites tout the potential danger of aspartame, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's position is that the sugar substitute is safe. The only people who need to avoid aspartame entirely are people with a disorder called phenylketonuria, or PKU. If you have concerns about the possible negative health effects of aspartame, consult a doctor and discuss the latest research on the subject.
Safety of Caffeine
Although Coke Zero contains caffeine, the amount present in the beverage, 34 mg, is significantly less than an average cup of coffee or tea, according to the Centers for Science in the Public Interest. Although getting a moderate amount of caffeine is safe, consuming more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine a day may cause unpleasant side effects, such as restlessness, irritability, fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches, muscle tremors, anxiety, nausea, gastrointestinal problems and difficulty sleeping, according to MayoClinic.com. Although heavy coffee drinks are more likely to experience these effects than those who drink Coke Zero, it may be wise to keep track of your overall caffeine consumption and avoid getting excessive amounts. Keep in mind that the caffeine content displayed is usually per serving, not necessarily the amount found in the entire can or bottle.
Considerations
Use common sense when deciding how much Coke Zero to drink. Although drinking one or two cans a day is probably harmless, drinking any more than this may cause you to drink less of other, more nutrient-rich beverages. Consider replacing Coke Zero with water. Skim milk or fruit or a low-calorie fruit or vegetable juice are also good choices. These drinks may not only quench your thirst, but also provide you with the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
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