As Diet Coke celebrates its 40th birthday, fans of the tantalising drink have been singing its praises. The iconic soft drink even earned itself a star-studded birthday bash this week, as Kate Moss, creative director for Diet Coke, hosted a extravagant party to celebrate.
Despite it being a staple in fridges across the country, you may be surprised to learn about the troubling effects it can have on our bodies. One expert has warned against drinking gallons of the stuff, highlighting the various negative impacts enjoying a cold can of Diet Coke can have in the space of just one hour.
When drank in moderation, Diet Coke doesn't pose too much of a risk, but previous studies have also shown that drinking beverages with artificial sweeteners can lead to weight gain.
Even more concerningly, one study, published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, warns that such drinks could be contributing to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The effects of drinking a can of Diet Coke can apparently be seen in just one hour, with an impact seen 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after finishing that last sip.
10 Minutes
Qualified pharmacist Niraj Naik, best known as The Renegade Pharmacist, went viral back in 2015 with an infographic about how Diet Coke affects a person within that first post-drink hour and says tooth enamel is attacked within just ten minutes.
Naik said: "The phosphoric acid attacks the enamel in your teeth, while the artificial sweeteners like aspartame hit your system. Aspartame may trigger taste receptors and trick your body into thinking it has just processed sugar."
20 Minutes
After 20 minutes, Naik says the drinker's body switches to its "fat storage mode", citing studies from The Nurses' Health Study that connect such beverages to a higher risk of high blood pressure and type two diabetes.
According to Naik: "Like regular Coke, this can trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode."
40 Minutes
Naik claims the caffeine and aspartame combination results in a short-term high, in a comparable way to the Class A drug cocaine. If drunk regularly, Naik claims the excitotoxins released could lead to your brain becoming exhausted and overstimulated.
He explained: "The potentially deadly combination of caffeine and aspartame creates a short addictive high similar to the way cocaine works. Excitotoxins are released which may exhaust your brain by overstimulating its neuroreceptors, especially if consumed on a regular basis."
60 Minutes
After one hour has passed, Naik says the drinker will be left more hungry and thirsty than they were previously, and more likely to reach for sugary junk food.
He continued: "Unlike the small amount of satisfaction you get from regular coke your body may still crave sweets. This makes you likely to reach for another soda, or worse, some other junk food you consider to be safe, and the cycle continues.
"A can of diet coke provides no nourishment and would replace a more nutritious drink you could have drunk while potentially depleting your body of essential minerals.
"It will never quench your thirst as it dehydrates rather than hydrates your body. A lack of vital water can lead to brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, and feeling irritable."
The Mirror has reached out to the Coca-Cola Company for comment.
Have you discovered something surprising about your favourite food or beverage? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
