The Dangers of Soda
The amount of soda and carbonated beverages consumed is particularly correlated with significant weight gain, leading directly to obesity and diabetes. Diet soda is just as bad as its regular counterpart because artificial sweeteners are not metabolized by the body and are therefore stored in fat cells, causing inflammation and weight gain.
Billions of gallons of soda are consumed every year in the United States. A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states:
“The findings from large cross-sectional studies, in conjunction with those from well-powered prospective cohort studies with long periods of follow-up, show a positive association between greater intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain and obesity in both children and adults… a 12-oz serving [1 can of soda = 1 serving] of regular soda provides 150 kcal and 40-50 g of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup… which is equivalent to 10 teaspoons of table sugar. If these calories are added to the typical US diet without reducing intake from other sources, 1 soda/day could lead to a weight gain of 15 lb or 6.75 kg in 1 year.”
