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Soda has become the four-letter word of the beverage world. Of all drinks available, soda probably has the worst reputation. It’s been linked with obesity, hyperactivity in children, diabetes and tooth decay. Scientists continue to find reasons why we shouldn’t drink the stuff, and we’re inclined to agree with them. Here are our top reasons for ditching soda.

High fructose corn syrup

You’ve likely heard this before, but it’s worth mentioning again. The high fructose corn syrup in soda is very, very bad for you. Fructose is a naturally occurring fruit sugar that’s not dangerous in small doses. But in high doses, as in soda, synthetically produced fructose should be avoided. For one, fructose is synthesized by the liver, meaning that when you take in too much of it enters the bloodstream as triglycerides (bad fats). Then there’s the fact that studies have shown cancer cells to guzzle up fructose. Plus, high levels of mercury have been found in fructose, and scientists have found a definite link between fructose and diabetes and obesity.

Bad decision making

Soda is not only bad for the body. It’s bad for the brain, too. A recent study found that diet soda makes people feel like they’re getting energy while their bodies behave as though they were starving. In famine mode, a body fuelled by diet soda is only concerned with the next meal. And this can lead to impulsive thinking.

The climate crisis

If worrying about your own health isn’t enough to stop you drinking soda, think about the environment. American sodas are very popular worldwide, meaning that many of them are exported in bulk to other countries. Transporting tons of soda around the world every year takes a serious toll on the environment when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions.

So, don’t drink soda. If you must have something sweet to drink, experiment with a juicer. That way, you know exactly what it is you’re putting into your body.

Tags: Diabetes, Healthy diet, obesity