PROBLEM OF BEING TOO SWEET

By Sophiya Mathew

The most beloved refreshment of the world was an invention of the Atlanta druggist John S. Pemberton.

His invention was a rare marvel of an achievement because pretty much everything pharmacists come up with tastes awful (Yes! Remember the cough syrups you had to close your eyes and gulp in one go ) but as if instead of pharmacy some alchemy had worked… this product was different ,it got a special place in our hearts because of its sweetness.

A flavored syrup combined with carbonated water and VOILA! you have it before you THE PRODUCT OF HIS ALCHEMY NONE OTHER THAN THE EVER SWEET COCA-COLA .

Let’s get into a quantitative discussion to appreciate its real sweetness.

There are 4.2 grams of sugar in a single teaspoon. Now, imagine scooping up 7 to 10 teaspoons full of sugar and dumping it into your glass of water.Congratulations! you can now know the real sweetness of the drink because that’s the quantity of sugar in a can of soda.

Some must know facts before gulping this beverage:

1.Dangerously high sugar content

The sugar in the drink exceeds the daily limit of 9 teaspoons of sugar for men and 6 for women. Therefore, an increased level of sugar consumption can lead to increased chances of becoming diabetic.

You tend to consume more total calories , as liquid sugar doesn’t make you feel full. Sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with weight gain and contribute largely to the obesity pandemic.

2.Increased Risk of Cancer

As these drinks are high in sugar they increase the insulin levels which feeds tumours. And, the chemicals that are used for colouring in soda drinks can also boost the chances of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

3.Corrodes Teeth

Tooth decay is one among the major effects of carbonated drinks on the body. Soda contains added ingredients that are acidogenic and carcinogenic and thus causes corrosion of enamel from teeth.

4.Risk of Heart Diseases

Sugar intake has always been linked to high blood sugar, high triglycerides in the blood and dense LDL that are the major cause of cardiovascular diseases.

5.Causes Fatty Liver

Liver damage is usually linked with consuming alcohol but one of the harmful effects of soft drinks also includes fattening of the liver.Sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are about 50% fructose, which can only be metabolized by your liver. Excessive amounts may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The most beloved refreshment of the world was an invention of the Atlanta druggist John S. Pemberton.

His invention was a rare marvel of an achievement because pretty much everything pharmacists come up with tastes awful (Yes! Remember the cough syrups you had to close your eyes and gulp in one go ) but as if instead of pharmacy some alchemy had worked… this product was different ,it got a special place in our hearts because of its sweetness.

A flavored syrup combined with carbonated water and VOILA! you have it before you THE PRODUCT OF HIS ALCHEMY NONE OTHER THAN THE EVER SWEET COCA-COLA .

Let’s get into a quantitative discussion to appreciate its real sweetness.

There are 4.2 grams of sugar in a single teaspoon. Now, imagine scooping up 7 to 10 teaspoons full of sugar and dumping it into your glass of water.Congratulations! you can now know the real sweetness of the drink because that’s the quantity of sugar in a can of soda.

Some must know facts before gulping this beverage:

1.Dangerously high sugar content

The sugar in the drink exceeds the daily limit of 9 teaspoons of sugar for men and 6 for women. Therefore, an increased level of sugar consumption can lead to increased chances of becoming diabetic.

You tend to consume more total calories , as liquid sugar doesn’t make you feel full. Sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with weight gain and contribute largely to the obesity pandemic.

2.Increased Risk of Cancer

As these drinks are high in sugar they increase the insulin levels which feeds tumours. And, the chemicals that are used for colouring in soda drinks can also boost the chances of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

3.Corrodes Teeth

Tooth decay is one among the major effects of carbonated drinks on the body. Soda contains added ingredients that are acidogenic and carcinogenic and thus causes corrosion of enamel from teeth.

4.Risk of Heart Diseases

Sugar intake has always been linked to high blood sugar, high triglycerides in the blood and dense LDL that are the major cause of cardiovascular diseases.

5.Causes Fatty Liver

Liver damage is usually linked with consuming alcohol but one of the harmful effects of soft drinks also includes fattening of the liver.Sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are about 50% fructose, which can only be metabolized by your liver. Excessive amounts may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

6.Sleep disorders

The excessive caffeine it contains can affect our nervous system and alter mood and behaviour. Also, it prevents drowsiness by blocking the hormones and sleep inducers making you stay awake for long.

7.Causes Weight Gain

Soda contains many flavour enhancers full of sodium, artificial acids, sweeteners, and other additives that contain hidden calories leading to weight gain over time.

8.Loss of Calcium

Due to the presence of phosphorus in aerated drinks, chances of calcium loss from the body through the kidneys is increased.

9.They are addictive!

Binge drinking this may cause dopamine release in the brain, giving a feeling of pleasure.

Sugary drinks have powerful effects on your brain’s reward system, which may lead to addiction.

Now that you appreciate the sweetness of this drink better , bringing a change in your lifestyle by moderating the consumption of coke and adopting healthy alternatives such as fruit juices,lassi, milk shakes, lime water, coconut water,herbal tea,etc could be the way forward.

6.Sleep disorders

The excessive caffeine it contains can affect our nervous system and alter mood and behaviour. Also, it prevents drowsiness by blocking the hormones and sleep inducers making you stay awake for long.

7.Causes Weight Gain

Soda contains many flavour enhancers full of sodium, artificial acids, sweeteners, and other additives that contain hidden calories leading to weight gain over time.

8.Loss of Calcium

Due to the presence of phosphorus in aerated drinks, chances of calcium loss from the body through the kidneys is increased.

9.They are addictive!

Binge drinking this may cause dopamine release in the brain, giving a feeling of pleasure.

Sugary drinks have powerful effects on your brain’s reward system, which may lead to addiction.

Now that you appreciate the sweetness of this drink better , bringing a change in your lifestyle by moderating the consumption of coke and adopting healthy alternatives such as fruit juices,lassi, milk shakes, lime water, coconut water,herbal tea,etc could be the way forward.