Daily consumption of sweetened carbonated beverages, such as Coca-Cola, is associated with significant health risks, according to several recent studies. Although the high sugar content of carbonated soft drinks has been known for a long time, recent research shows more clearly the effects of a dose of Coca-Cola on the body.
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According to studies cited by the British publication The Telegraph, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is correlated with the appearance of fat on the liver, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study published in Nature Medicine linked millions of cases of type 2 diabetes and heart disease to sugary drinks, while a team of Swedish researchers directly blamed the sugary drinks industry for a significant portion of cardiovascular disease cases.
What happens in the body after a dose of Coca-Cola
A large UK study, which looked at the eating habits of more than 123,000 people over a 10-year period, shows that drinking just one sugary drink a day is enough to increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by 50%.
Another study, published in January in the journal Nature Medicine, linked sugary drink consumption to millions of new cases of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease globally. The authors of the study point out that the problem is not only the amount of sugar, but also the fact that these drinks are often integrated into an unhealthy lifestyle.
Specialists explain that, shortly after consumption, the body goes through a period of high blood sugar. In combination with caffeine, this high intake can, over time, lead to a form of addiction. According to experts, some consumers end up gradually reducing the amount of Coke to lessen the withdrawal symptoms caused by sugar and caffeine.
“Coca-Cola is extremely high in sugar. In my opinion, it should not even be allowed to be sold”dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine told The Telegraph.
A Swedish study published last year goes further and suggests that sugary drinks may be more harmful to cardiovascular health than other sweets, being associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
What is in a can of Coca-Cola?
A standard dose of Coca-Cola contains approximately:
- 140 calories
- 35 grams of sugar, above the NHS recommended daily limit (30g for adults)
- 33 mg of caffeine
Specialists point out that liquid sugar is quickly absorbed in the body, causing sudden increases in blood sugar, followed by sharp drops, which can lead to irritability and a feeling of fatigue.
The effects on the body, one hour after consumption
According to nutritionists:
- After 10 minutes, sugar quickly reaches the blood;
- After 20 minutes, blood sugar rises sharply and the liver begins to convert fructose into fat;
- After 45 minutes, the caffeine is fully absorbed, temporarily stimulating the brain's reward system;
- After an hour, the so-called “sugar crash” appears, manifested by fatigue and irritability.
Drinks industry: 'Products are safe in a balanced diet'
The representatives of the British Soft Drinks Association reacted, stating that the studies are observational and do not demonstrate a direct causal relationship.
“All soft drinks are safe to consume as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Carbonated drinks currently account for just 6% of all sugar bought for household consumption in the UK“, the organization said.
