Soda Consumption: Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know

We all know soda (carbonated drinks/fizzy drinks) are not good for our bodies but we still find ourselves yearning for it again and again. This is moreso obtainable during celebration period, when we are more tempted to throw caution into the wind and enjoy with family and friends. The excuse is always to say to oneself, “You’ve ate healthily for so long; take a break” or “one bottle of coke will not hurt so much, will it?”

While it is always advised that you choose healthy drink options like smoothies or yoghurt over soda, we know that you may likely find yourself giving in to drinking it a time or two. So, if you must take carbonated drinks, there are certain things you should note. This article highlights the do’s and don’ts of drinking soda.

1 Don’t – drink directly from the can
It applies to all canned food and drinks. Drinking/eating directly from cans is harmful, as there are toxic substances/chemicals in aluminium cans that can make you vulnerable to hypertension and heart diseases. Most aluminium cans contain BPA, a dangerous chemical used in their epoxy lining. If you must drink any fizzy drink, choose a healthier container.

2 Don’t – drink soda close to bedtime
It has been medically proven that drinking soda (which contains caffeine) at night can alter your sleep routine. You may have heard that good and adequate sleep contributes to a long life. Therefore, taking it late at night shortens your lifespan. If you must take it, do it during the day. 

3 Do – beware of flashy colours
When choosing a fizzy drink, run away from food dyes. Instead, consume the ones with natural colours. Pay attention to the listed ingredients before you drink. Food dyes are proven capable of posing harm to your DNA which may lead to cancer. The more the food dye, the brighter the colour; the brighter the colour, the more the damage. 

4 Do – cut down the quantity you consume
Medical research has linked the amount of carbonated drinks consumed to mortality rate. These drinks contain a high level of chemicals like food dyes and sugar that are harmful to your health. Resist the urge to drink more than a can or bottle per day, and drink only once in a week, if you can. 

5 Don’t – opt for diet soda
As opposed to what people think when they come across ‘diet’ soda, diet soda is not healthier for the heart than regular soda. The significant difference between diet soda and regular soda is the presence of sugar substitutes in diet soda. It implies that diet soda contains little or no calories. While this helps in weight loss and control of blood sugar, regular consumption of artificial sweeteners (sugar substitutes) may lead to nutritional problems, neurological problems, and even cancer. 

6 Don’t – opt for soda with a high sugar level
Although diet soda can be harmful, consuming so much sugar can be likewise dangerous to your health. It can lead to diabetic symptoms, menstrual pain, and can make you age faster. 

It is best to steer clear of carbonated drinks; however, if you must consume it, do it rightly. Adhering to the points stated above would help avoid medical problems and improve your general health.

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