Is Coca-Cola hazardous to my health?

Answer 1

The Coca-Cola Company has been criticised for the allegedly adverse health effects of its flagship product. However, a common criticism of Coke based on its allegedly toxic acidity levels has been found to be baseless by most researchers; lawsuits based on these criticisms have been dismissed by several American courts for this reason.

Most nutritionists advise that Coca-Cola and other soft drinks can be harmful if consumed excessively, particularly to young children whose soft drink consumption competes with, rather than complements, a balanced diet. Studies have shown that regular soft drink users have a lower intake of calcium (which can contribute to osteoporosis), magnesium, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and vitamin A.[28] The drink has also aroused criticism for its use of caffeine, an addictive substance.[29]

Although numerous court cases have been filed against The Coca-Cola Company since the 1920s, alleging that the acidity of the drink is dangerous, no evidence corroborating this claim has been found. In some of these cases, evidence has been presented that claimed Coca-Cola is no more harmful than comparable soft drinks or acidic fruit juices like apple juice. Under normal conditions, scientific evidence indicates Coca-Cola's acidity causes no immediate harm.[30]

Like most other colas, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid. One study has shown that this hastens bone loss, contributing to illnesses such as osteoporosis.[31]

There is also some concern regarding the usage of high fructose corn syrup in the production of Coca-Cola. Since the late-1980s in the U.S., Coke has been made with high fructose corn syrup, instead of sugar glucose or fructose, to reduce costs. This has come under criticism because of concerns that the corn used to produce corn syrup may come from genetically altered plants. [32] Some nutritionists also caution against consumption of high fructose corn syrup because of possible links to obesity and diabetes. [33]

In India, there exists a major controversy concerning pesticides and other harmful chemicals in bottled products including Coca-Cola. In 2003, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a non-governmental organisation in New Delhi, said aerated waters produced by soft drinks manufacturers in India, including multinational giants Pepsico and Coca-Cola, contained toxins including lindane, DDT, malathion and chlorpyrifos — pesticides that can contribute to cancer and a breakdown of the immune system. Tested products included Coke, Pepsi, and several other soft drinks, many produced by The Coca-Cola Company. CSE found that the Indian produced Pepsi's soft drink products had 36 times the level of pesticide residues permitted under European Union regulations; Coca Cola's 30 times. CSE said it had tested the same products sold in the US and found no such residues.[34] After the pesticide allegations were made in 2003, Coca-Cola sales declined by 15%. In 2004, an Indian parliamentary committee backed up CSE's findings, and a government-appointed committee was tasked with developing the world's first pesticide standards for soft drinks. The Coca-Cola Company has responded that its plants filter water to remove potential contaminants and that its products are tested for pesticides and must meet minimum health standards before they are distributed.[35] In the Indian state of Kerala, sale and production of Coca-Cola, along with other soft drinks, has been banned.[36] Five other Indian states have announced partial bans on the drinks in schools, colleges and hospitals.[37]

Coca-Cola Korea Bottling Company has recalled a total of 1.1 million plastic bottles of its soft drinks in Gwangju, Hwasoon and Damyang in Jeolla Province On July 14, 2006 after found a 25 year old man who fell ill after drinking the contaminated coke, which was reportedly poisoned with herbicide. A 41-year-old woman identified as Park was arrested in Gwangju some time ago, on charges of blackmailing Coca-Cola Korea for 2 billion won ($2.13 million) and threatening to poison Coca-Cola brands.

Answer 2

Damn right its bad for your teeth. Coke or any cola is packed full of sugar which is very acidic. Just drop a penny in a little cola over night and see what colour it comes out. Also if you drop a child's tooth that has fallen out (milk Tooth) it will totally dissolve in only a day or two.

Answer 3

If you drink too much of it, it is. An occasional Coca-Cola will not hurt you. However, if you drink it constantly, the acid will rot your teeth and you will be getting "empty" calories and a lot of caffeine. As with anything, moderation is the key.

Answer 4

A doctor once told me that more than 1 can a day will shorten your life. I cant say for sure if that's true, but what I do know is that any kind of soda eats away at the mucus layer in your stomach. This causes your stomach acid to eat away at the unprotected parts of the stomach. That's only if you drink too much though.

Answer 5

It's not good for you. It's full of sugar and caffeine. As with any soft drink, moderation is the rule. But it is not hazardous to your health. I love diet coke and drink it all the time, and I am a very healthy, happy, girl!!!

Answer 6

i remember some experiment that went something like this:

open a can, pour it into a clear glass and put a nail in it.

check on it in two days.. it's even better if it's rusty.

now you tell me. is it hazardous?

oh, btw, if you work in a factory and have VERY GREASY clothes.. put yer greasy clothes in the laundry, fill it up with water, pour in a can or two of coke and let sit over night. when you wake, throw in some soap and wash it up! good as new and no more grease!

Answer 7

Yes it is everyone knows Pepsi is the only safe soft drink. If you do not believe me get a 2 liter of diet coke add a few mentos and watch it erupt

Answer 8

Hazardous may be a bit extreme, but it's bad for you. It contains lots of "empty" calories. Drinking excessive amounts puts you at higher risk for obesity and diabetes.

Answer 9

yes very ... did you know that if you put a tooth in coca cola over a couple of days it will dissolve

Answer 10

if a glass of cola can dissolve a human tooth within an extended period of time, then, yes, it could be hazardous.