Carbonated sweetened drinks have become a rage today and the United States ranks first in the consumption of these fizzy soda drinks. There are numerous varieties of carbonated drinks available in the market today.

Carbonated soft drinks have now been proved to have numerous health hazards including obesity, dental cavity, and diabetes. Some of the ingredients used in the making of these soft drinks are harmful and cause immensely harmful.

Harmful ingredients

• Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are associated with the high calorie content of sodas leading to obesity and weight gain.
• Caffeine is known to be additive and causes artificial stimulation of the adrenal gland.
• Phosphoric Acid in sodas is known to cause calcium loss.
• The artificial flavors and colors in soft drinks are also harmful to the body and may contain traces of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – an extremely harmful flavoring agent.

Health Hazards

• The sugar in sodas causes weight gain by interfering with the body’s natural ability to suppress hunger. Besides, the sugar and acid can cause dissolution of tooth enamel.
• The high phosphate levels and virtually no calcium in soda drinks leads to lower calcium levels in the body and can cause osteoporosis. The phosphate levels in the soft drinks are also associated with bone and artery damage.
• Caffeine in soft drinks is known to induce anxiety and is linked to sleep disruption.
• Research has also shown a co-relation between drinking carbonated drinks and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The acid reflux caused by the fizz in the drinks damages the tissues of the stomach and increases free radicals that are perceived to increase the risk of cancer.

Healthy Alternatives

With the health hazards of carbonated drinks becoming well-known, people have become conscious and are shifting to healthier alternatives. Water is the best known drink that quenches thirst and is also known to keep various diseases at bay.

Tender coconut water and lemon juice are other refreshing natural alternatives to artificial soft drinks.
So, the next time you buy a can of soda, think twice, a glass of water or juice might do you a world of good instead of that soda can!