Drinking plenty of liquids is an essential part of maintaining good health. Soft drinks are beverages, but cannot be considered a good choice for reaching your daily liquid needs, report Ted Wilson and Norman J. Temple, authors of "Beverages in Nutrition and Health." It is true that soft drinks contain water, but some of the other ingredients cancel out any benefit the water content could supply.
May Lead to Weight Gain
Many people consume many soft drinks each day, which replaces more nutritious beverages, such as water or 100 percent fruit juice. The added sugar in soda may lead to weight gain for individuals who consume several glasses each day, report Wilson and Temple. An average serving of soda contains between 100 and 150 calories, numbers which add up when you drink two, three or more servings each day. Wilson and Temple add that people who consume a lot of soft drinks consume fewer calories from more nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and dairy foods. The more calories that are consumed from soft drinks, the fewer calories consumed from lower calorie, more nutritious foods and drinks.
May Cause Disease
Most dark-colored soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, which can lead to digestive and health problems, reports Hugo Rodier, author of "Licking Sweet Death: Energy and Information to Stop Sugarcoating Your Addiction to Processed Foods." In the short term, the acid in soft drinks may lead to bloating, uncomfortable digestion and acid reflux. More long-term consequences of consuming soft drinks include cancer and diabetes. Rodier notes that individuals who drink large amounts of soda have an increased risk of esophageal cancer from the phosphoric acid as well as type 2 diabetes from the added sugar. Large amounts of soda may also contribute to an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in the metabolic function of your body.
May Cause Lower Calcium Intake
If you consume several soft drinks each day, they are likely replacing calcium-rich beverages, such as milk or fortified orange juice. Calcium is an essential nutrient for the health and strength of your bones and teeth, note Wilson and Temple. Individuals who consume several soft drinks a day are at risk for damaged teeth and soft bones. Osteoporosis rates may be higher among those who drink several soft drinks per day because they are may not be consuming the calcium necessary to maintain their bone density. The added sugar in soft drinks also sticks to your teeth, which can cause erosion and cavities, particularly if your diet is low in calcium.
References
- "Beverages in Nutrition and Health"; Ted Wilson and Norman J. Temple; 2004
- "Licking Sweet Death: Energy and Information to Stop Sugarcoating Your Addiction to Processed Foods"; Hugo Rodier; 2010
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