The Original Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola got its name from two specific ingredients, the caffeine-containing cola nut and the coca leaf that it is enhanced with.

For years there were speculations as to whether or not Coca-Cola actually contained any cocaine in it. And yes, initially Coca-Cola had actual doses of cocaine as a by-product of the coca leaf, but by the early 1900's, this was banned.

Today apparently, Coca-Cola uses instead of fresh leaves, "spent" leaves of coca - the leftovers of the cocaine-extraction process with cocaine trace levels left over at a molecular level. The company proclaims that it is thus using cocaine-free coca leaves.

The kola (cola) nuts are both a source of flavor and caffeine for the drink. Apart from cola nuts, the special taste of Coca Cola has contributions from vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and lemons, though the exact formula is kept strictly secret.

Hence here are the ingredients that are made public:

• Carbonated water
• Sugar (high fructose corn syrup)
• Phosphoric acid
• Caramel color
• Natural flavors
• Caffeine

In the past Coca-Cola contained sodium benzoate, a chemical that has been linked to asthma like effects, hyperactivity, as well as it can damage DNA and holds the potential to become carcinogenic. Coca-Cola is still phasing this chemical out in some parts of the world. For more information on this see the article "Coca-Cola to phase out controversial chemical" from Mail Online.

Due to the fact that the exact formulation of Coca-Cola is such a secret, the company only produces the "secret syrup". This is then sold to franchise partners that make it into the famous drink by mixing it with the water and sugar and then carbonating it.

The classic coca-cola is said to have 160 calories per 355mL can (based on Canadian product), 42g of carbohydrates in the form of sugars and 40mg of sodium, as well as about 34 mg of caffeine.

Coca-Cola Zero Ingredients:

• Carbonated Water
• Color
• Acesulfame-Potassium
• Aspartame
• Caffeine
• Phosphoric Acid
• Potassium Benzoate
• Potassium Citrate
• Sodium Benzoate
• Sodium Citrate
• Sodium Cyclamate
• Flavors

Coca-Cola Diet Ingredients:

• Carbonate Water
• Carmel Color
• Aspartame
• Phosphoric Acid
• Potassium Benzoate
• Natural Flavors
• Citric Acid
• Caffeine

Coca-Cola Blak Ingredients

• Typical formula including:
• Aspartame
• Acesulfame-Potassium

Caffeine-Free Diet Coca-Cola Ingredients:

• Typical formula with no calories or sugar
• Aspartame
• Acesulfame-Potassium

Drinking soda can lead to many health problems. Some are listed here below.

1. Weight Gain that contributes to:

- Heart complications

- Stress on organ function

- High blood pressure

- Diabetes Type 2

- Breathing difficulties

- Fatty liver and possible cirrhosis

- Various hormonal imbalances

- Depression

- Infertility

- Lowered immune function

2. Increased acidity levels in the body that contribute to:

- Heartburn/Indigestion

- Disruption of the acid/alkaline balance that is at the core of our optimal health

- Leaches minerals out of our bones; leading to osteoporosis and weak bones

- Eats away tooth enamel and increased cavities

- Leads to poor oral health such as tooth yellowing and bad breath

- Lowered immune function

3. Psychological disruptions that may consist of:

- Addictions and dependency due to the caffeine

- Irregular sleep patterns and problems falling asleep

- Mood Swings

- Depression

- Increased ADD/ADHD symptoms

4. Cardiovascular effects due to the caffeine that may lead to:

- Irregular Heartbeat

- Heart Strain

- Blood Vessel Constriction

- Increased blood pressure

5. Cancers due to the aspartame and possibly acesulfame-potassium

6. Nutrient absorbency problems and digestive upsets

To add to all this, never mind the quality of water they are using, the fact that in some countries the products are contaminated with cancer-causing pesticides, the aluminum cans or plastic bottles the product comes in or the fact that it stimulates thirst on a biological level and does nothing to quench it.

Yes mountain dew is because gives your teeth tooth decay and if u drink it once about an hour later your head starts hurting

By:Me

Mountain dew contains yellow 5, which lowers a male's sperm count.

EDIT: Actually it does not lower male sperm count. This is a rumor which has been cleared up. You can read about it online, Yellow 5 caused allergic reactions in some people but however does not lower sperm count.

Being caffeinated and so, very addictive, and because it is very acidic and loaded with sugar, Mt. Dew is known for causing "Mountain Dew Mouth". See link below.

"Dentists who work in Appalachia have coined a new name for the extreme instances of tooth decay caused primarily by drinking sugary sodas. They refer to the condition as Mountain Dew Mouth."it is a fact that mountain dew only contains natural sugars from juices it uses. so it is not loaded with sugar unless you get the throwback mountain which is loaded with sugars.