To say "soft drinks are bad for you" is to get a response something akin to "duh!" To say just how bad may invite a different response entirely. Soda pop contains High Fructose Corn Syrup, the extent of which is equivalent to ten and a half teaspoons of sugar. It is considered one of the leading causes in juvenile diabetes and obesity. Diet drinks are even worse. They are loaded with sodium, caffeine, and phosphoric acid. Some studies may even suggest that diet drinks hinder weight gain, not help it.
More of an energy drink type of person? Think again. Loaded with caffeine and sugar, energy drinks do nothing more than induce a "buzz" effect. Someone needing to drink energy drinks simply to keep going is most likely just not getting proper amounts of carbohydrates and proteins.
Is soda really that bad?
"Yes. Simple, unequivocal answer, yes. Yup. Affirmative. Absolutely." That is what Jonny Bowden, PhD and board certified nutritionist, had to say when asked. Dr. Brent Ridge wonders why anyone would want to put anything into their system besides water. The problem is all the sugar found in soft drinks and some fruit drinks. "It is also one of the single most horrific ingredients in the food supply." Says Bowden.
What are some healthier alternatives?
- Water is the best alternative to any sugary - "liquid candy" - drink on the market. Not only does it not contain all of the preservatives and chemicals that many drinks have, it also hydrates the body.
- One Hundred Percent Fruit Juice is a good choice because of the health benefits that come from drinking it. It helps with getting the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables for the day and no added sugar juices means all of the sweeteners are natural.
- Green Tea helps the metabolism, which is something soda does not do. Additionally, it contains polyphenols, which was once considered 'Vitamin P'. What polyphenols can do is alleviate stress and help protects against other hosts of problems, cancer. They may also have some antioxidant benefits.
- Milk helps fight osteoporosis and, especially with organic, contains no added sugar. It's natural, has a slew of other health benefits, and reports show that low-fat milk help with weight gain.
- Unsweetened Coffee helps for the energy drink junkies. It still contains the caffeine, but without the sugar, it's still a bit of a healthier alternative. Caffeine should be limited to four hundred milligrams a day.
Sources:
ivillage.com. article, "Your Total Health"
Fruitjuicefacts.org article, "Fruit Juice Facts"
High Fructose Corn Syrup: just another sugar?
