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mama amy

a family doctor and mother writing about health, home, and everything in between

Are they good for the health?

Originally published on Super Dok · June 20, 2006

From the archives — written in 2006. Medical understanding has changed since this was written. This post is preserved as originally published and may contain outdated guidance. For current information, consult your physician.

What does a 12-ounce can of soda contain? From what I've read, it contains 150 calories, 50 gms sugar, 30 mg phosphoric acid, 35-38 mg caffeine, carbonated water, artificial color and flavors. They provide no nutritional benefits at all that's why we refer to them as "empty calories". Lots of people and even children drink them everyday but until now no studies were formally done to prove their effects to health.

The high sugar content of soda has been linked to an increased risk for diabetes. It also causes dental problems. The acid also destroys the tooth enamel leading to dental cavity formation. It also damages the lining of the stomach causing erosions or ulcerations. The phosphorus also deplete the bones of calcium making them weak and prone to fracture and osteoporosis.

Too much sugar is really bad for the health and sodas contain nothing more than sugar. Although none of those claims have yet been proven scientifically, why not stick to drinking water? After all they are free or if you need to buy them they are very cheap.

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