Mexican Coke, alias Mexican Coca-Cola, has amassed a cult in the United States. Sold in bottle instead of can, many people assume that it is healthier than the domestic alternative, because it is made with real sugar. But is it really? We asked a nutritionist, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD / N, ACSM-CPT, a certified sports dietitian and co-author of the Flat belly kitchen book for mannequinsTo explain the main differences and answer the question: what really happens when you drink Mexican Coca-Cola?
Your body treats cane sugar and almost identical HFC
“Mexican Coca-Cola is made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup rich in fructose (HFC), which is generally used in American Coca-Cola. Although it looks like a significant difference, nutritionally, cane sugar and HFC are almost identical in the way your body treats them, “explains Collingwood.
Your liver manages them in the same way
Collingwood adds that cane sugar, also called sucrose, is 50% glucose and 50% fructose, while HFCS is 45% glucose and 55% fructose. “Not much difference,” she said. “The two are made up of glucose and fructose, and your liver always manages fructose in the same way, whatever the source. Excess of fructose can increase triglycerides, promote the accumulation of fat in the liver and increase your risk of resistance to insulin and metabolic syndrome. ”
But people keep the taste of Mexican coke is better
Why do people think the Mexican coke is better? Taste, underlines Collingwood. “Some say he has a” cleaner “or less disgusting taste. It is subjective and more on preferences than health, ”explains Collingwood.
There is also a “natural” halo that surrounds it
There is also the “natural” halo that surrounds it. “Cane Sugar has a healthier image than HFCs, partly because of food marketing and partly because of the HFC in the early 2000s,” said Collingwood.
And, it is packed in the glass
Glass bottles are also a sales argument for some. “Mexican coke is often made of glass, which some associate with purity and a more nostalgic experience,” explains Collingwood.
But, the sugar added is sugar added
What to take into account before choosing between them? First, the sugar added is sugar added. “Whether HFC or cane sugar, health risks are the same: weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and dental decrease,” explains Collingwood.
The size of the portions is greater than the sugar source
Then the size of the portions is greater than the sugar source. “A 12 ounce Mexican coke still contains about 39 grams of sugar,” says Collingwood.
It is an occasional treat
Finally, look at it as an occasional treat. “If you choose between the two, do it according to taste, not health. But none should be a regular drink, ”explains Collingwood.
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