Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Fresca Bad For You?


Grade

F


Short answer

Fresca contains some very harmful ingredients and is deemed bad for you. If you are going to drink Fresca, it is important to do so in extreme moderation.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Fresca, just like many other diet sodas, is widely consumed for its zero calorie, zero fat, and zero carb benefits. Short-term, Fresca may be beneficial for those reasons, but there are many serious long-term effects due to Fresca being highly processed, filled with artificial sweeteners, and containing other ingredients known to be detrimental to your health.

Aspartame, one of the artificial sweeteners used in Fresca, forms formaldehyde when it breaks down inside of your body. Neurological symptoms, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, and even an increased risk of brain tumors can result from a high consumption of aspartame. Acesulfame Potassium, another artificial sweetener in Fresca, is proven to be carcinogenic and increases the risk of cancer.

EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is used in Fresca to preserve color. This ingredient, however, is on the FDA's watch list to be reviewed and tested for toxicity. So far, we know that this additive promotes various short-term effects such as skin rash, asthma, and migraines. It is also likely to build up in the body over time, leading a very toxic environment inside of the body.

Another potentially harmful ingredient seen in Fresca is brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Used to keep Fresca stable and also add the "cloudy" look it has, the oil has corrosive properties and poses major threats to our health. Studies reveal that BVO can cause your hands to swell, disrupt brain development in children, disrupt fertility, disrupt thyroid function, and increase the risk of cancer.

Lastly, Fresca contains citric acid. This is one of the less harmful ingredients, but it is still good to note that a high consumption of this acid can cause your tooth enamel to erode, eventually resulting in the need for a root canal.


Possible long-term side effects

  • cancer
  • tumor development
  • skin rash / asthma
  • tooth erosion
  • disruption of fertility
  • disruption of thyroid function

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • zero calorie
  • zero fat
  • zero carb

Healthier alternatives

Team-Picked Alternative (what is this?)

Organic Italian Soda

  • Organic certified
  • Refreshing grapefruit flavor
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Convenient 4 pack
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 11-29-2023




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