Is diet coke '100x healthier' than sugarcane juice? Experts debunk doctor's viral claim

Time of India

5 days ago

Days after US President Donald Trump announced that he had convinced the brand Coca-Cola to start using real cane sugar in its US beverages, concerns about soda consumption have increased. On Sunday, a popular content creator, doctor, fitness and preventive healthcare coach, Dr. Anshul Sadhale, shared a post on X (formerly called Twitter) claiming that Diet Coke is healthier than sugarcane juice. Another explanatory post about the same has sparked discussion online and has gone viral.
In the now viral post, Dr. Sadhale wrote, "Diet Coke is 100x healthier than sugarcane juice, but Indian society is not ready to discuss that yet because of culture." He also shared a thread of studies and explanations on how there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners harm gut health.
Is Coke Zero safe for you?
According to the supportive post, Dr. Sadhale made bold claims that coke zero is absolutely safe to consume but its not healthy. He explains, Coke Zero contains Aspartame that breaks down into three components, such as methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic.
Methanol can put you in a coma, while phenylalanine causes brain damage and aspartic causes cancer, he says in the video. But then he gives an example of a tomato that contains 6 times the amount of methanol as Coke Zero, moreover, 100 grams of meat contains 32 times of phenylalanine in it, and one egg contains 34 times the amount of aspartic acid as in Coke Zero, Dr. Sadhale mentions.
A tomato has 6 times the amount of methanol as Coke Zero
100 grams of meat contains 32 times of phenylalanine
One egg contains 34 times the amount of aspartic acid as in Coke Zero
According to the FDA, the safe amount of aspartame is about 50mg per kg of body weight in a single day. While one can of Coke Zero contains 85mg of aspartame, for a normal individual, they have to consume about 3500mg of aspartame to cross the safety guidelines of the FDA. The post instantly went viral, raising health concerns.
Coke zero is absolutely safe for you.But it is not healthy!Let's understand in detail. pic.twitter.com/jsCu9uv4SO
Is Diet Coke healthier than sugarcane juice? If 'no', here's why
Though it is called 'Diet Coke' and has no sugar or calories, it is loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals that may take a toll on gut health and lead to a sluggish metabolism over time. "However, when it comes to sugarcane juice, it is natural but jam-packed with sugar and can raise one's blood sugar levels, especially in the case of those having diabetes. So, the healthy alternative for Diet Coke is lemon water or fruit-infused water," says Dr. Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Dietetics Department at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
Does Coke Zero contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and other chemical additives?
Neither Diet Coke nor sugarcane juice is healthy. Hence, it is imperative to avoid both of them. "Understand that even after Diet Coke claims to have zero calories, it is loaded with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and chemical additives that may give a tough time to the gut, lead to cravings, and affect insulin response over time," warns Dr. Panda.
Sugarcane juice, though high in natural sugar, is not advisable as well. According to Dr. Panda, "It can fluctuate one's blood sugar levels. So, neither is healthy at all. Diet Coke has no nutritional value. Don't drink Diet Coke in the name of healthy or mindful eating."
"There is a hype about Diet Coke, as many videos are circulated online where it is being promoted as a healthy drink. Diet Coke can lead to tooth decay, erode the tooth enamel, headaches, obesity, raise blood pressure, sleep issues, and weakened bones. So, it's better to avoid Diet Coke. It is better to stay alert and say NO to diet soda."
Risks of having sugarcane juice often
Substituting cane sugar for actual cane sugar with high-fructose corn syrup can make the Diet Coke a bit better, but it won't turn it to a healthy beverage, is what experts.
Sugarcane juice, while natural, contains a high amount of sugar and calories. "Frequent consumption can lead to increased blood glucose levels, which poses a risk for developing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals predisposed to metabolic disorders," says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai. Additionally, it lacks essential fibres because it is an extracted liquid, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar without the satiety that whole foods provide.
Just because something is natural does not mean it is free from health risks. Regular intake of sugar-laden beverages can contribute to:
Weight gain and associated health problems, such as obesity
Cardiovascular disease
Dental issues
"Moreover, while sugarcane juice does contain some vitamins and minerals, over-reliance on it could result in a dietary imbalance. It's important to enjoy sugarcane juice in moderation and balance it with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods to support overall health."
Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Moderation is key for maintaining a healthy diet.
Healthy alternatives to both Diet Coke and sugarcane juice
Swap sugarcane juice with coconut water, fresh vegetable juices, or homemade lemonade that has less amount of sugar. "It is better to avoid fancy colas that are marketed as healthy and with zero calories. It is nothing but a gimmick to lure the customers. Don't fall prey to such marketing gimmicks that can do more harm than good to the body," explains Dr. Panda.