What are the benefits of Soft Drinks?
The only benefit of soft drinks is that they can be a refreshing party drink or an occasional “treat” to drink but consumed regularly they can only have negative consequences on your health
As these drinks are digested and absorbed into our bloodstream, they do damage little by little. Phosphoric acid, citric, malic and tartaric acids are all added to soft drinks. These highly acidic substances start the damage as soon as you drink them as they corrode the surface of the tooth enamel and when consumed in high amounts, cause many unwanted dental caries.. Following the teeth, the soft drink finds its way to our digestive system. The body has an amazing ability to find uses for the ingredients that we digest, some useful, some not. In the case of the soft drink, the excess amount of sugars and calories contribute to heart disease and diabetes.
Research also suggests that soft drinks contribute to osteoporosis. This is due to the high phosphorus content in soft drinks. A high amount of phosphorus in the diet hinders the absorption of calcium, should calcium levels be low. In general, adolescents are more likely to drink high amounts of soft drinks and consume lower than the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) requirements of calcium. They are therefore in a higher risk of having bones that show signs of being less dense, of losing strength and breaking more easily.
During adolescents, more than half of peak bone mass is developed. It is therefore imperative that this age group meets the RDI requirements of calcium and that they avoid massive consumptions of soft drinks.
When it comes to diet soft drinks, many people are unaware of the dangers of the added artificial sweetener, aspartame. Aspartame is added to many soft drinks to avoid the calories that come from sugar, but the dangers of aspartame are worse than sugar. The dangers of aspartame are as follows:
Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of conditions that may increase the risk of Diabetes Type 2, stroke or heart disease. Research suggests that in middle age people, the consumption of soft drinks, including diet soft drinks may boost the risk of metabolic syndrome. This is due to the false presumption that because the diet soft drinks contain no calories, they can eat more calories, therefore increasing their caloric content of foods. This may in turn lead to increased body weight.
Last but not least, soft drinks contain amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is mildly addictive at low doses. We might know that caffeine manifests as behavioural changes. These include:
Some of the benefits of caffeine may sound appealing and is ok in moderation but it is what leads to the addictive nature of soft drinks and is not ideal for our kids. So while many people love the taste of soft drinks they really are only for an occasional treat.
If you have any questions or would like any help with your health contact me directly at michael@planetnaturopath.com
Michael is head consultant at Planet Naturopath - Functional Medicine and Nutrition Solutions. He is a registered naturopath with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and works with clients from all over the world via video or phone consultations. He is a degree qualified naturopath from the Endeavour College of Natural Medicine in Australia with 18 years of experience. He uses advanced testing methods, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice to help you stay healthy. He is a Kalish Method-trained practitioner that keeps updating his education with Chris Kresser. Michael completed Dr. Terry Wahls practitioner training program, a 12-month program with ongoing training that helps understand the underlying cause and treatment of MS and autoimmune conditions. He keeps up to date with the latest research into health and natural medicine through the Metabolic Fitness Pro course with Dr. Bryan Walsh.