Is Soda Harmful to Health?

Is soda harmful to health? One problem with soda is that it contains lots of sugar. Consuming too much soda may lead to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people in America consume too many added sugars, which can lead to health problems.

This article discusses whether soda is harmful to and suggests alternative drinks that are healthier sources for keeping hydrated.

Is soda harmful to health?

According to the CDC, soda is not good for a person’s health, primarily because of its sugar content. Too much sugar can have adverse effects on a person’s health.

According to one source, a typical 12-ounce (oz) can of soda contains 29.4 to 42 grams (g) of sugar., which is equivalent to 7–10 teaspoons (tsp).

Health effects on the body

The CDC Source also state that consuming a lot of beverages sweetened with sugar can lead to:

• weight gain
• having obesity
• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• non-alcoholic liver disease
• gout

Research conducted in 2018 found that people who regularly drink soda have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes than people who do not drink soda. According to Harvard Health, soda can cause weight gain. This can occur due to a variety of reasons.

Soda does not make a person feel full in the same way that consuming the same amount of calories from solid food would. Some people may continue eating despite consuming a high-calorie drink. Additionally, sweet-tasting drinks may increase the appetite for other foods that are high in calories.

Soda can also cause tooth decay. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), sugary drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay. When the bacteria in the mouth break down the sugar, it produces acid, which can dissolve the surface of the tooth.

Is diet soda bad for health?

Diet soda is also unhealthful. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or saccharin.

• Research conducted in 2018 supported the notion that soda is a risk factor for diabetes. The study also found that switching to diet soda does not lower the risk of developing diabetes. It may even be an independent risk factor.

• Additionally, 2019 research tested the effect of low-calorie soda on tooth enamel. The research found that both regular and low-calorie sodas that contained sweeteners had adverse effects on tooth enamel.

Is carbonated water bad for you?

The CDC endorses sparkling water as an alternative to sugary drinks, such as soda. However, always make sure that the sparkling water does not contain sugar or other sweeteners. Drinking carbonated water can help people stop consuming soda.
Carbonated water does not have to be flavorless. Options are available that contain added fruit flavors and minerals. Always check the label and choose the varieties that do not contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or sodium.

Alternatives to soda

Experts point out that the best choice for satisfying thirst is water. Water is good for a person’s overall health. It can help the body to:

• maintain a good temperature
• lubricate joints
• get rid of waste via urination, bowel movements, and sweat
• prevent kidney stones

To help people consume more water, the CDC recommends:

• keeping a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator

• adding a wedge of lime, cucumber, lemon, or watermelon for additional flavor

• carrying a reusable water bottle during the day and fill it up as needed

• Fruit juice is a possible option. However, it also contains a lot of sugar, so it is essential not to consume too much. As an alternative to soda, try adding a quarter or half a cup of 100% fruit juice to some plain sparkling water.

CDC advises consuming the following in moderation:

• plain coffee
• plain tea
• sparkling water
• seltzer
• unsweetened flavored waters

Always read the labels to ensure that the beverages containing added sugar. The CDC note that added sugars should make up less than 10% of a person’s total daily calories.

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