What's the Truth on Pop ?

Facts on Soda Health Risks


Soda, as we all know it, is one of society’s favorite beverages. Each year, billions of gallons of pop are consumed by men, women, and children. However, what are the health risks? (If you do not know already)

Risks

Pop is high is sugar and calories with practically no nutritional value. You may drink excess calories and essentially pack on the pounds. Though drinking pop is not the only factor in causing obesity and its complications, it combined with eating other unhealthy foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle will.

Liquids also do not provide as much satiety factor as solid foods. When you drink calorie-dense beverages such as pop and have a meal with it, you may not know that you are consuming more than you should be because liquids do not make you as full.

With complications of obesity, there are increased risk factors for heart disease, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and increase cholesterol levels. Having certain number of these risks is called metabolic syndrome and it is not a good thing to have.

Other options:

Water is the best alternative. Drink it with a slice of lemon or lime for added taste.

Green Tea is great for boosting your metabolism and making it easier to burn calories.

100% fruit juices are better alternatives, which provide essential nutrients and are refreshing.

Diet soda may not be the best alternative, but this is better than just drinking the regular.

If you do decide to drink pop, always remember to drink it in moderation. Try to limit your consumption and increase the alternatives. Look at your diet and see if you are consuming excess calories from pop and realize that you could be “pouring on the pounds.” There are a lot of unhealthy risk factors for drinking pop and obesity.

Eat healthy, drink healthy, and exercise!

By Campus Dining & Shop intern Hong