Diet Coke and Aspartame
Diet Pepsi, as the name indicates is a carbonated drink with low calories. Some amount of caffeine is present in them. Aspartame is the artificial sweetener used. The ingredients in diet Pepsi are caramel colour, carbonated water, natural flavours, phosphoric acid, citric acid, caffeine and potassium benzoate. Certain risks of aspartame are not established. The relation between lymphoma, brain tumour and brain lesions with aspartame is being researched. The phosphate levels are increased, thereby leaching calcium from bones.
Caffeine and phosphoric acid are related to a number of health problems, which are under research. Dental decay, decreased bone density, type 2 diabetes are some of them. Displacement of calcium is seen with phosphoric acid, thereby resulting in degeneration of bones. This causes osteoporosis, making the bones prone to fracture. Tooth enamel erosion is strong when consumed individually, rather than with other foods.
Drinking with a straw is slightly better, as then drink goes into the throat in a major manner, without touching the teeth. Brushing the teeth, immediately after drinking the same is not permitted. This results in increased erosion, due to the increased acid content. It is especially not recommended for smaller children, as calcification of bones is seen.
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