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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is diet coke '100x healthier' than sugarcane juice? Experts debunk doctor's viral claim
Days after US President Donald Trump announced that he had convinced the brand Coca-Cola to start using real cane sugar in its US beverages, concerns about soda consumption have increased. On Sunday, a popular content creator, doctor, fitness and preventive healthcare coach, Dr. Anshul Sadhale, shared a post on X (formerly called Twitter) claiming that Diet Coke is healthier than sugarcane juice. Another explanatory post about the same has sparked discussion online and has gone viral. In the now viral post, Dr. Sadhale wrote, "Diet Coke is 100x healthier than sugarcane juice, but Indian society is not ready to discuss that yet because of culture." He also shared a thread of studies and explanations on how there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners harm gut health. Is Coke Zero safe for you? According to the supportive post, Dr. Sadhale made bold claims that coke zero is absolutely safe to consume but its not healthy. He explains, Coke Zero contains Aspartame that breaks down into three components, such as methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic. Methanol can put you in a coma, while phenylalanine causes brain damage and aspartic causes cancer, he says in the video. But then he gives an example of a tomato that contains 6 times the amount of methanol as Coke Zero, moreover, 100 grams of meat contains 32 times of phenylalanine in it, and one egg contains 34 times the amount of aspartic acid as in Coke Zero, Dr. Sadhale mentions. A tomato has 6 times the amount of methanol as Coke Zero 100 grams of meat contains 32 times of phenylalanine One egg contains 34 times the amount of aspartic acid as in Coke Zero According to the FDA, the safe amount of aspartame is about 50mg per kg of body weight in a single day. While one can of Coke Zero contains 85mg of aspartame, for a normal individual, they have to consume about 3500mg of aspartame to cross the safety guidelines of the FDA. The post instantly went viral, raising health concerns. Coke zero is absolutely safe for it is not healthy!Let's understand in detail. Is Diet Coke healthier than sugarcane juice? If 'no', here's why Though it is called 'Diet Coke' and has no sugar or calories, it is loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals that may take a toll on gut health and lead to a sluggish metabolism over time. "However, when it comes to sugarcane juice, it is natural but jam-packed with sugar and can raise one's blood sugar levels, especially in the case of those having diabetes. So, the healthy alternative for Diet Coke is lemon water or fruit-infused water," says Dr. Rajeshwari Panda, Head of the Dietetics Department at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Does Coke Zero contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and other chemical additives? Neither Diet Coke nor sugarcane juice is healthy. Hence, it is imperative to avoid both of them. "Understand that even after Diet Coke claims to have zero calories, it is loaded with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and chemical additives that may give a tough time to the gut, lead to cravings, and affect insulin response over time," warns Dr. Panda. Sugarcane juice, though high in natural sugar, is not advisable as well. According to Dr. Panda, "It can fluctuate one's blood sugar levels. So, neither is healthy at all. Diet Coke has no nutritional value. Don't drink Diet Coke in the name of healthy or mindful eating." "There is a hype about Diet Coke, as many videos are circulated online where it is being promoted as a healthy drink. Diet Coke can lead to tooth decay, erode the tooth enamel, headaches, obesity, raise blood pressure, sleep issues, and weakened bones. So, it's better to avoid Diet Coke. It is better to stay alert and say NO to diet soda." Risks of having sugarcane juice often Substituting cane sugar for actual cane sugar with high-fructose corn syrup can make the Diet Coke a bit better, but it won't turn it to a healthy beverage, is what experts. Sugarcane juice, while natural, contains a high amount of sugar and calories. "Frequent consumption can lead to increased blood glucose levels, which poses a risk for developing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals predisposed to metabolic disorders," says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai. Additionally, it lacks essential fibres because it is an extracted liquid, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar without the satiety that whole foods provide. Just because something is natural does not mean it is free from health risks. Regular intake of sugar-laden beverages can contribute to: Weight gain and associated health problems, such as obesity Cardiovascular disease Dental issues "Moreover, while sugarcane juice does contain some vitamins and minerals, over-reliance on it could result in a dietary imbalance. It's important to enjoy sugarcane juice in moderation and balance it with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods to support overall health." Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Moderation is key for maintaining a healthy diet. Healthy alternatives to both Diet Coke and sugarcane juice Swap sugarcane juice with coconut water, fresh vegetable juices, or homemade lemonade that has less amount of sugar. "It is better to avoid fancy colas that are marketed as healthy and with zero calories. It is nothing but a gimmick to lure the customers. Don't fall prey to such marketing gimmicks that can do more harm than good to the body," explains Dr. Panda.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kashi of Konkan Reborn: Stone miracle rises at Fatorpa
DIVINE SYMMETRY: The temple has been planned like a yantra, with shatavargas — 6 principles of proportions — yielding harmony The new Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple is the first full granite stone structure built in modern Goa according to the principles enshrined in the original Kadamba-era style Stretching 45 feet heavenwards and reclaiming 1,000sqm for an architectural renaissance, the new Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple at Fatorpa revives the nearly lost tradition of stone temple construction in Goa. The temple is the first full granite stone structure built in modern Goa according to the principles enshrined in the original Kadamba-era style. The groundbreaking achievement has overcome formidable engineering challenges. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo The original Saptakoteshwar temple on Divar island was constructed around AD1155 by Kadamba queen Kamaladevi . It was revered as the 'Kashi of the Konkan'. It was attacked remorselessly by invaders and the Portuguese. Devotees eventually fled with the deity to Fatorpa, where this new structure now stands. Blueprint for 1,000 years The reconstruction project began with an empty treasury in 2004, with ground broken in 2005, and was completed in early March this year. 'During reconstruction, a bold decision was made to build the temple in the stone style to make it last for a thousand years,' said Abhijit Sadhale , who designed this architectural landmark with his father Kamlakar from Ponda. The design is blessed with inspiration from the ancient Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla, one of the few surviving Kadamba-era icons. However, Sadhale noted the differences. 'The Tambdi Surla temple is Nirandhar, meaning a shrine without a circumambulatory path around the 'garbhagriha' (the sanctum sanctorum),' he said. 'Whereas the Saptakoteshwar temple is a Sandhar temple with a covered pathway, which is especially important in a rainy region.' The Saptakoteshwar temple's construction presented unique technical conundrums requiring innovative solutions. Unlike many contemporary stone temples built on reinforced cement concrete (RCC) platforms, this structure employs a dry-lock system with no RCC foundations. Lack of data: A boon 'The jointing material we have used — lime or cement — is only to fill the spaces between the stones,' Sadhale said. The temple measures 157ft by 75ft with intricately carved elements throughout. The absence of any reference material spurred the boon of original thinking. 'We often gave craftsmen 1:1 drawings (full-scale sketches). Then we realised even that was a problem,' Sadhale said. 'So, we made temporary clay or cement models for them to understand the actual proportions.' One of the temple's most striking features is the dipastambha (a pillar usually bedecked with lamps), masterfully carved from a single stone measuring 23ft, crowned with a four-foot bronze trident, reaching a total height of 27ft. The temple includes a unique Ayudhapurusha pillar symbolising the five weapons of Lord Shiva. The central sabha of the new temple features a rangashila mandap (the site of rituals and holy events), with a lotus-shaped ceiling. The temple is supported by 24 stone pillars adorned with artistic carvings, with eight inner pillars made of black stone, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Civilisation's blessing 'We are not copying history. We look at the Saptakoteshwar temple in a continuous line of evolution of temple architecture,' Sadhale said. 'Though it draws reference from the Tambdi Surla temple, it also develops on that and makes it more culturally and contextually relevant to the present period.' For Sadhale, the project transcends mere construction. 'I look at it as an important milestone in Goa's history of architecture. A temple must belong to the ground in terms of its community history, cultural context, historical connections, and architectural style,' he said. Sadhale added, 'From the mandir stapatya (temple architecture) point of view, it is designed like a yantra, with shatavargas — the six principles of proportions — yielding harmony.' This is not a dead reference point in history but a living force of the uninterrupted flow of our civilisation, Sadhale said. 'This will not only infuse interest in continuing the older traditions but will also establish their relevance in contemporary building skills,' he said.
