Diet cola may offer less calories and sugar than regular cola, but one of the artificial sweeteners comes with potential side effects. Neither version of cola gives you any substantial health benefits. Drinking more than one soda per day of either type can also increase your risk of obesity and health issues such as diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Cola Nutrtional Information
A 12-oz. can of non-diet cola contains 136 calories, 35.18 g of carbohydrates and 33.01 g sugar. The cola also contains 29 mg caffeine, 0.26 g protein, 15 mg sodium and 0.07 g fat.
Diet Cola Nutrtional Information
Diet colas lack the calories and high carbohydrate content of regular cola because they use non-caloric sweeteners instead of sugar. A 12-oz. can of diet cola with the artificial sweetener aspartame, the main ingredient of the artificial sweetener brand NutraSweet, contains 7 calories, 1.03 g of carbohydrates and no sugar. The diet cola with aspartame also contains 43 mg caffeine, 0.39 g protein, 28 mg sodium and 0.11 g fat. A 12-oz. can of diet cola with the artificial sweetener sodium saccharin contains no calories, 0.35 g of carbohydrates and no sugar. The diet cola with saccharin also contains 39 mg caffeine, no protein, 57 mg sodium and no fat.
Cola Benefits and Detriments
People often prefer the taste of regular cola over diet cola. Its natural sugar ensures you won't suffer any of the potential side effects of artificial sweeteners. Because cola lacks any substantial amount of nutrients, however, drinking a can of cola is akin to drinking a sugary can of empty calories. The sugar content also increases your risk of tooth decay.
Diet Cola Benefits and Detriments
Diet cola adds little or no calories to your diet and are friendlier for diabetics. Aspartame and saccharin are approved by the FDA, although aspartame comes with potential side effects. Side effects include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, dizziness, diarrhea, memory loss and fatigue, according to Fitwatch.com. Aspartame can also cause mood swings, rashes or hives, problems sleeping, changes in your heart rate and, in the most severe cases, convulsions, seizures and difficulty breathing. Mental health journalist John McManamy reported aspartame's side effects were more common and severe for people suffering from mood disorders.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Cola; Low Calorie Cola with Aspartame; Low Calorie Cola with Sodium Saccharin
- Fitwatch: Aspartame Side Effects -- Could Aspartame Be The Cause Of Your Health Problems?
- MayoClinic.com; Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes; Oct. 9, 2010
- McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web; Don't Drink the Diet Coke; John McManamy; Jan. 2, 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Diet Soda -- Is It Bad for You; Katherine Zeratsky; Nov. 14, 2009
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