What could possibly account for the amazing success of Coca-Cola？ How has this combination

of carbonated water(苏打水), sugar, acid and flavorings come to symbolize the American way of life for most of the world？ After all, even the manufacturers could hardly describe Coke as a healthy product since it contains relatively high amounts of sugar (admittedly not the case with Diet Coke which contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar) and phosphoric acid(磷酸), both of which are known to damage teeth.

One explanation may be found in the name. The original recipe(配方)included a flavoring from the coca plant and probably included small amounts of cocaine (an addictive (使人上瘾的) substance), but since the early part of this century all traces of cocaine have been removed. However, Coke (like all cola drinks) also includes a flavoring from the cola tree; cola extract(提炼物) contains caffeine, which is a stimulant, and the Coca-Cola company adds extra caffeine in addition. While caffeine is not thought to be an addictive substance in itself, there is considerable evidence that over a period of time the consumption of caffeine has to be increased in order for its stimulating effect to be maintained, and so sales of Coke perhaps benefit as a result.

A more likely reason for the enduring popularity of Coke may, however, be found in the company's enviable marketing(营销) strategies. Over the years it has come up with some of the most memorable commercials (商业广告), tunes, slogans and sponsorship in the world of advertising, variously emphasizing international harmony, youthfulness and a carefree(轻松愉快的) lifestyle. Few other companies have been able to match such marketing techniques so consistently or effectively. As suggested earlier, the influences of American culture are evident just about everywhere, and Coca-Cola has somehow come to represent a vision of the United States that much of the rest of the world dreams about and aspires to (热望). Perhaps drinking Coke brings people that little bit closer to the dream.

Coca-Cola is not a healthy product because______.

A．it is merely a combination of carbonated water, sugar, acid and flavourings

B．it may be harmful to teeth

C．it doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

D．it has some stimulating effect