Even though people are all aware of the detrimental effects of soda drinks, they still consume this harmful, sugar-loaded drink in excess.
Even though there is a slight fall in the sales, over $75 billion worth of soda is still bought annually, causing an increased risk of heart diseases, tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and much more.
Here are some of the major reasons why you should no longer drink soda:
- Soda Contains Cancer-Causing Additives
Many sodas contain artificial caramel colorings in order to get the brown color. However, this popular additive includes two contaminants: 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, both of which have been found to lead to cancer in animals.
The California’s strict Proposition 65 list of cancer- causing chemicals states that 16 micrograms daily of 4-methylimidazole is sufficient to pose a cancer threat. What’s more, the most popular brown sodas contain even 200 micrograms of it per 20 oz bottle.
- Soda leads to Fat Gain
A Danish study has shown that the consumption of non-diet soda causes a significant rise in the accumulation of fat around the liver and the skeletal muscles, which contributes to diabetes and insulin resistance.
Researchers have discovered that the daily consumption of regular soda for six months leads to increased skeletal, liver, triglyceride blood fat and other organ fat, and an 11% increase in cholesterol.
- Soda Causes Tooth Decay
There is a special term for the tooth decay in children and adults as a result of the excessive consumption of soda, “Mountain Dew Mouth.”Soda contains citric acid which erodes the enamel and even the dentin, the core of the tooth, over time.
- Soda can cause Osteoporosis
All kinds of sodas have phosphates or phosphoric acid which provide the tangy flavor and extend the shelf life. The excess intake of phosphoric acid leads to osteoporosis, muscle loss, heart and kidney problems, and speeds up the aging process.
In relation to calcium intake, it can result in bone loss and the caffeine in these drinks inhibits the absorption of calcium. The consumption of soda greatly increases the risk of osteoporosis and reduces the bone density.
- Soda leads to various diseases
The consumption of soda causes various different diseases, including:
Type 2 Diabetes: The consumption of one can of soda daily has been related to the elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: Numerous studies have confirmed that there is a link between the consumption of sugar and the increased risk of heart diseases. Only one sugary beverage daily leads to a 20% increased risk of a heart attack or even a death from a heart attack.
Insulin Resistance: The consumption of excessive amounts of sugar may lead to an insulin resistance in cells. In this case, the pancreas s forced to produce even more insulin to eliminate the glucose from the bloodstream, leading to high insulin levels and insulin resistance.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Too much fructose consumed via these sugary drinks can overload the liver, and it can be converted into fat, which remains in the liver and causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Dementia: Research has found a relation between the increased blood sugar levels and the elevated dementia risk. Excess amounts of sugary drinks can greatly impair memory and the decision-making capabilities, causing more complications, and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, if you are one of those who believe that diet sodas are much better and cause no harm, the video below is a real eye-opener:
