Many of us appreciate fizzy drinks during meals, at any time of the year, because they are quick to prepare, sweet and refreshing. They also have all the ingredients to become the perfect and most popular drink, especially among children and teenagers. However, some studies confirm that their components have very negative and even dangerous effects for the whole human body.
The effects of soft drinks on nutritional intake in general are made with water, sugar or artificial sweeteners, flavors, plant extracts and carbon dioxide. Aside from the “light” and “0% sugar” versions of soft drinks, these drinks are high in sugar. A liter of soft drink contains a measured amount of 22 to 24 tablespoons of sugar, or regarding 4 cubes (20 g) per glass.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day for children and teens ages 2 to 17. For adults, limit to 50 grams per serving each day.
The consumption of soft drinks leads to an overconsumption of the daily sugar intake. Also, they contain phosphoric acid, especially the cola ones. This particular ingredient gives the drink a strong note. This acidulant is also used and acts as an oxidation inhibitor and limits the growth of certain microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and mushrooms). The sugar and phosphorus contained in soft drinks have a significant impact on metabolism. It affects him a lot.
Harmful effects of soft drinks on bodily functions:
On the one hand, excessive consumption of cola leads to high absorption, which means that, although this trace element is important for the body, it can become very harmful. It prevents the assimilation of calcium. However, calcium remains an important component of bone structure. Soft drinks can also contain large amounts of caffeine. It gives a bitter followingtaste. A 33 cl can of Coca-Cola contains 40 mg of caffeine. For a 27 kg child, two cups of this drink provide 50 mg of this stimulant. This is equivalent to drinking two cups of coffee for an 80 kg adult.
What are the dangers of soft drink consumption by young people?
A US study looked at the link between bone health and soft drink consumption. 460 young people with an average age of 15 received a short questionnaire. The information requested related to the consumption of soft drinks, physical activity and medical history with possible fractures. The results showed that more than 60% of the sample had little or no physical activity.
80% of girls and only 20% of boys reported drinking soft drinks. Only 20% drank the sugar-free version. In addition, one in five girls had suffered a fracture. Another correlational study found that teenagers who drank soft drinks were three times more likely to sustain fractures. Teenagers who drink soft drinks are three times more likely to fracture. This habit, associated with a lack of physical activity, multiplies this risk by five. The results also show this: there was no difference between the sugar-sweetened and sugar-free options.
Soft drinks and bones:
According to the hypothesis of the researchers, this phenomenon is caused by the phosphoric acid present in carbonated drinks. As this ingredient inhibits the absorption of calcium, which can lead to brittle bones, it is important to take the necessary precautions. This can lead to bone fragility which can lead to fractures. An excessive intake of phosphorus would also be the cause of bone loss. In addition, researchers believe that the more soft drinks young people drink, the less dairy they consume.
As a result, they no longer receive enough calcium to build and strengthen bones. There may also be a risk of long-term osteoporosis. The first symptoms do not really appear until following the age of five. The first symptoms appear following menopause. They become more prominent due to low bone mass. Carbonated drinks also have other negative effects on the body. In addition to affecting bone development, soft drinks attack many body mechanisms and are responsible for many diseases, including:
Diabetes :
330,000 Imperial College London researchers at the end of the experiments concluded in the medical journal Diabetes that soft drinks are a factor in type 2 diabetes. This potion causes manufacturing errors and a rapid increase in the production of insulin and blood sugar levels.
Obesity:
An article published in the medical journal The Lancet confirms this link following a study on obesity and the consumption of soft drinks. In fact, for a child who drinks them every day, the risk of being overweight is 60%, and their combination with fast food contributes much more to weight gain.
Caries :
The sugar or sweeteners contained in soft drinks promote the growth of bacteria and these factors are stronger in the development of cavities. Soft drinks also contain phosphoric acid and citric acid. Acids can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, regular use can cause great damage to teeth.
Lack of sleep :
Carbonated drinks, especially colas, have an addictive effect like caffeine. The person may therefore have difficulty falling asleep or have very poor quality sleep. In addition to causing many problems such as impaired concentration and memory, this situation also leads to low energy, which contributes to a lack of activity.
How to make healthier soft drinks at home?
To avoid many of the health effects of soft drinks, you can replace them with homemade soft drinks. To do this, it is enough to mix natural mineral water with baking soda (a small amount) and add a little juice, syrup or nectar. So you can make a drink as fizzy and delicious as you want.
