Green Tea Vs Diet Coke
The beverage companies are making a play for health conscious consumers by adding green tea and other flavors to their carbonated beverages. However, both drinks have different nutritional value and taste.
This study included the use of a caffeine food frequency questionnaire (C-FFQ) to collect information on the consumption of brewed coffee, three types of instant coffee, green tea, and diet coke.
Nutritional Value
A can of Diet Coke contains 46mg of caffeine, which is around the same as a fully-steeped cup of green tea. The beverage also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sodium. If you are on a low-carbohydrate diet, you can also drink iced green tea, herbal tea or unsweetened black tea to avoid any added sugars.
Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help reduce the risk of several health concerns, including heart disease, cancer and obesity. It is also high in calcium, magnesium and potassium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A randomized controlled trial published in “Nutrients” in 2022 showed that postmenopausal women who drank three cups of green tea per day for one year experienced reduced bone loss in the spine and thigh compared to a control group. However, the study did not examine whether these women were taking any supplements besides green tea.
Caffeine
Tea and soda both contain caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to increase alertness, boost mood and improve exercise performance. However, tea has an added advantage over soda in that it also contains L-theanine, which helps to reduce anxiety and prevent jitters.
Both beverages are high in sugar, which can cause a number of health issues when over-consumed. Sugar causes a spike in blood sugar levels, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.
Diet Coke was introduced in 1982 as a sugar-free alternative to regular Coca-Cola. It still contains caffeine, but it also has high amounts of artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to obesity, diabetes and even cancer. In one 12-ounce can of Diet Coke, there are 42 mg of caffeine. To reach the recommended daily allowance of caffeine, you would need to drink more than 10 cans of a caffeinated beverage such as Diet Coke or coffee.
Ingredients
Diet coke and Coke Zero are two of the most popular soda options for consumers looking to cut back on sugar. Both drinks are zero-calorie and offer a taste that is similar to the classic Coca-Cola flavor, but without the added sugar.
Both beverages are sweetened with low-calorie artificial sweeteners (aspartame and acesulfame potassium) as well as carbonated water, natural flavors, caramel color, phosphoric acid and caffeine. The exact ingredients may vary by region and product version.
Green tea-flavored Diet Coke is currently available in Japan, where it is marketed to health-conscious people in their 20s and 30s. The beverage contains tea antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to promote thermogenesis and fat oxidation in humans. The drink also contains caffeine, which is known to stimulate the central nervous system and increase energy levels. It is not recommended for people with phenylketonuria, a rare genetic condition that requires avoiding aspartame. Those with this condition should consider drinking green tea instead.
Taste
Aside from containing caffeine, green tea is also a good source of antioxidants. You can easily make green tea at home by boiling water and adding a bag of green tea. You can even use a brew timer for optimum results.
Both drinks are calorie free, however, Diet Coke contains artificial sweeteners (aspartame and cyclamates) which can lead to metabolic conditions such as weight gain and increased appetite. Also, diet soda has been linked to a decline in kidney functionality.
Both beverages have their own unique taste and appeal to different audiences. Arizona Green Tea appeals to people who like a refreshing beverage with more natural ingredients, while Coke Zero has found a following among millennials who appreciate the classic Coca-Cola flavor without the sugar. Both are healthy options, but it is best to consume them in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet. Trying them both and seeing which one you prefer is a great way to decide which drink is right for you!