Soft drinks are beverages which do not contain alcohol content, but they have high sugar content. Soft drink are easily accessible as vending machines are available everywhere, even in high schools. Also, soft drinks are aggressively marketed which make them more desirable. However, drinking soft drinks can make you obese and can also affect your health in many ways.
Soft Drinks and Obesity:
According to a study from Harvard University, consumption of soft drinks has doubled the prevalence of obesity among children in U.S. for the past 15 years. Soft drinks are usually consumed with fast-food, snacks and sometimes in front of television. This can increase the amount of calorie intake.
According to San Antonio Heart Study, drinking soft drink regularly increases the risk of being overweight by 65% and the risk of being obese by 41%. Many studies have proved that soft drink intake greatly increases the risk of being obese.
Top 5 Reasons to Stay Away from Soft Drinks:
Here are the Top 5 Reasons to stay away from soft drinks:
- Soft drinks increase your daily calorie intake: Soft drinks contain about 140 to 150 calories per 12-oz servings. In this way soft drinks can increases your calorie intake which can lead to obesity
- Soft drinks increase your appetite: People who consume soft drinks tend to consume more food than those who do not. Experts opine that consuming soft drinks causes a rise in the insulin level which makes us hungrier
- Soft drinks replace your need for healthy drinks: People consuming soft drinks are less likely to drink water, milk and fruit juice. Drinking less milk has lead to lack of calcium intake among children resulting in osteoporosis, fractures etc.
- Soft drinks may weaken your bones: According to some studies, phosphorus present in soft drinks may displace calcium present in the bones, leading to decreased bone density and osteoporosis
- Health problems: Several studies have shown that soft drinks lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, dental problems, and they may affect sleep patterns
Drinking soft drinks should always be minimized and they should not replace drinking water and fruit juices. Latest studies show that even the so-called ‘diet’ drinks lead to obesity. Hence, stay away from soft drinks and stay healthy
