Why is Coke considered a happy drink but Sprite is not?

Audit expert: Peng Guoqiu

Deputy Chief Physician, Fourth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

Coke is a very common carbonated drink in life. For today's young people, there is no difficulty that cannot be solved by a cup of Coke. If one cup can't solve it, then have another cup! Therefore, it has another name called "happy water".

Why do we feel excited after drinking Coke? Why is Sprite, the "good partner" of Coke, not "happy water"?

Why does Coke make people happy?

Coke is actually a carbonated beverage. Common drinks such as Sprite and Fanta are also carbonated beverages. Their main ingredients include carbonated water, citric acid, sugar, etc., and some also contain caffeine.

Sugar

The sugar in cola is not only the source of the sweetness of cola, but also the contributor to the feeling of happiness. When we taste cola, the sugar in cola stimulates the sweet taste receptors on the tongue and gastrointestinal tract, thereby releasing glucose, which is then absorbed by the blood. This series of chemical reactions causes the insulin level to rise, activates the brain, and causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happy. Dopamine can make our nerves feel happy, and we will feel relaxed and satisfied.

Carbonated water

In addition to sugar, the carbonated water in cola also contributes. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms a stimulating liquid that stimulates people's taste and pain. This double stimulation fills the mouth and nasal cavity along the trigeminal nerve, causing the brain to secrete pleasant endorphins. This feeling not only makes us particularly excited, but also drives away stress without us realizing it, making us feel relaxed and happy.

Psychological effects

The name of Coke naturally makes people feel happy and brings good wishes for life. So the happiness of drinking Coke may also be a psychological effect. When everyone says that drinking Coke will make you happy, your brain also acquiesces to this.

So why is Sprite, also a carbonated beverage, not happy water? This has to do with another important ingredient in cola - caffeine.

Caffeine, the “happiness factor”

From the perspective of ingredients, Coke has one more "happiness factor" than Sprite: caffeine. Caffeine can block the effects of adenosine (a neurotransmitter that makes people feel tired), excite the central nervous system, and indirectly promote the secretion of dopamine and serotonin.

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter closely associated with pleasure, reward and motivation. When dopamine levels rise, people feel satisfied and happy. Studies have found that consuming caffeine can increase the activity of dopamine in the brain, making people feel happy.

Serotonin

Serotonin is known as the "happiness chemical" and its stable level is crucial to mood management. Moderate intake of caffeine can help regulate serotonin levels and relieve anxiety and depression to a certain extent.

Caramel coloring

In addition to caffeine, caramel coloring is also added to cola. This complex taste level allows people to experience both the sweet pleasure and the sour stimulation when tasting it, leaving an endless aftertaste.

Drink in moderation to be happier

Although Coke can bring us happiness, it also needs to be consumed in moderation.

Increased cardiovascular stress

The sugar in cola increases blood sugar, which in turn increases insulin secretion, which in turn causes blood vessel walls to contract and blood pressure to rise. In addition, excessive caffeine intake can speed up the heartbeat, which may increase the risk of heart disease.

Abnormal glucose metabolism

Excessive consumption of cola can weaken the body's response to insulin, leading to unstable blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

obesity

Excessive consumption of cola is one of the main causes of obesity. Cola contains a lot of sugar, and the unconsumed sugar will be stored in the body in the form of fat, leading to weight gain.

Liver problems: Long-term excessive consumption of cola may cause fatty degeneration of the liver and the formation of fatty liver. In severe cases, it may also cause other liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Osteoporosis: Ingredients such as phosphoric acid and caffeine in cola will affect calcium absorption and cause calcium loss. Long-term lack of sufficient calcium support will make bones brittle and increase the risk of osteoporosis.