Why Is Soda Bad For You?

Drinking soda frequently may result in significant weight gain from the high amount of useless calories in the drink. Those seeking to lose weight should stay away from the entire soft drink isle of the grocery store. Even diet sodas are bad for your health.

The calories in a can of soda should be enough to warn off the health-conscious consumer but the health risk of this sugary drink does not stop there. Just 12 ounces of pop can have the equivalent sweetness of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Most of these drinks no longer contain refined white sugar. They contain high fructose corn syrup that has been found to cause liver malfunctions in laboratory animals.

People who choose to give up pop are not only more likely to achieve the weight loss they desire; they will have healthier teeth. The high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks can eat away at the enamel of the teeth, leading to cavities and, if left unchecked, tooth loss. It’s bad for your teeth, your liver, and your waist line but it’s also bad for your bones.

New studies have shown that drinking carbonated drinks may lead to a greater risk of osteoporosis. The carbonation in bubbly drinks is caused by phosphoric acid. This caustic additive has been found to weaken bones, causing them to become more porous over time. Women have even greater reason to avoid carbonated drinks as they are naturally at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

Many people who weigh the health risks of drinking sugary colas choose to switch to diet drinks. The theory is that diet drinks are healthier for you. This is a misguided attempt to lose weight and eat healthy. Diet drinks carry their own risks. Researchers have found that those who drink diet pop daily are just as likely to be overweight as those who regular pop daily. The artificial sweeteners that replace sugar in diet drinks may also cause serious health risks.

It is surprising that these drinks are not dropping in popularity. In fact, manufacturers are frequently finding new ways to market these health hazards with new flavors, colors, and packaging. Many consumers remain undeterred by the risks and continue to consume soft drinks on a daily basis.