Soda Fizzles Fall Flat

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 531
Word Count: 330

Tuesday, August 7th

New research out indicates that soda may be worse for you than you thought! Even consuming one can a day of either diet or regular soda and increase your risk of metabolic syndrome. Otherwise known as syndrome X, metabolic syndrome, is described as having elevated risk factors in several areas which can lead to coronary artery disease and diabetes. The five main risk factors are lowered HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abdominal fat. According to WebMD.com it is estimated that one in six Americans is afflicted with these dangerous risk factors.

I was surprised to see that even diet soda drinkers were at risk. Most people think that it is the calories in soda and extra sugar that are not good, so drinking diet soda is the perfect alternative. Experts are not sure whether it is the caramel coloring in soda, artificial sweeteners or excess calories (regular soda). Drinking soda may need to become a practice of moderation instead of an every day ritual.

Many food industry experts argue that the increased risk for metabolic syndrome may due to the fact that soda drinkers consume more calories in general. Dr. Vasan, professor of medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, however, reports that "even after adjusting for intake of fat, fiber consumption, total calories, smoking, and physical activity, there was still a link between soft drink intake and metabolic risk factors". Dr. Vasan also thinks that the sugar in soda may be encouraging people to eat more sugar-laden foods throughout the day. He also points out that the group with the lowest risk was the one consuming less than one soda beverage per day.

I hate to "pop" your soda bubble, but it would be wise to cut back on your soda consumption!! Try a flavored sparkling water instead that has no calories, a little fiz and no adverse health risks.

Rating: 4.00