Cans of fizzy drink are convenient and tasty but they can also be laden with sugars, sweeteners, E numbers and additives which don't do us any good at all. But despite this fact many of the young are addicted to their cans of fizzy drinks and some even use them as their fist drink of the day.
The occasional can would not be a problem but if you are drinking more than 2 cans per day it is a habit and then it is a problem.
Many canned soft drinks contain 10 teaspoons of sugar that will damage teeth and cause weight gain, which can lead to diabetes. Most soft drink cans contain no nutrients for growth and development. So they must be regarded as an occasional treat not a daily habit: Weekends only.
New US research shows carbonated drinks may make teenagers who drink more than 5 cans per day of cola more aggressive. I am not sure that this aggressive behavior can be blamed on a drink because bad behavior is either there or learned by a child. But a drink high in sugar can give you more energy to behave badly if you have a mind to.
The reason drinking lots of cans of fizzy drinks is not a good idea for teens is that teenage years are the years of the adolescent growth spurt when the body ideally needs lots of calcium for strong bones. The researcher Dr. Wyshak speculates that the phosphorus contained in soft drinks may change the physiology of the body including a deleting effect on bone due to the change in the phosphorus-calcium ratio, or possible bone resorption from high levels of phosphorous. "Our findings have implications both for the health of teenagers and for the health of women at later ages," Wyshak concludes.
Because adolescence is a crucial time for bone development, it is important that adolescents approach consumption of carbonated beverages with caution. The health of growing teenagers is very important and certainly young women need to take great care of their bones.
How cool is Cola?
Colas contain caffeine. Caffeine has been considered a diuretic by experts and consumers for years. Caffeine acts as a stimulant warding off drowsiness and can affect sleep. Large doses of caffeine can lead to dependency, leading to headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, restlessness and insomnia. Over 250 mg per day is considered a large dose. A classic can of cola contains 34 mg, a can of Red Bull contains 80mg and an Espresso coffee contains 100 mg. So you can see a caffeine habit can easily add up to being a problem.
Diet soft drinks
Many switch to diet brands of soft drinks which contain between 0 and 10 calories and this does lead to weight loss but the news is not all good: Diet soft drinks also contain artificial sweeteners, instead of sugar; chemicals and additives such as Aspartame and caramel coloring and cyclamate.
Teenagers’ consumption of soft drinks is on the rise while their consumption of milk has plummeted
Milk is a nutritious drink for kids and teens and a great source of calcium, which is important for growing strong bones and teeth. Teens and young women should be encouraged to drink a glass of milk per day. A daily glass of milk is an important habit for all and you can make it exciting by making smoothies with milk, honey, bananas and berries, and a tablespoon of yogurt. For those worried about weight gain low fat milk is an option.
Substitute for water:
-- “Fizzy drinks cause 75 percent of acid erosion," according to an American dental study. People in hot countries often drink too many soft drinks, but do not drink enough water. Drinking water is the best way to quench your thirst.
-- Drinking water instead of sweetened drinks also prevents dental problems,
People who regularly drink soft drinks and other sweetened drinks are more likely to be overweight. The average can of soft drink contains 136 calories. Sip smart and make water your main drink of the day.
Ask Alva
How much water should I drink as I never feel very thirsty and I drink mainly fruit juice and tea?
— Syed
As a general rule you should make water your main drink of the day and drink between 8 and ten glasses per day and always carry water with you in hot weather. The amount of water you need is influenced by climate and the amount of exercise you take. Water helps you have more energy and feel less tired. When your body gets low on water, everything becomes concentrated. This includes your blood sugar. When you are dehydrated, your urine gets darker, you become constipated and your blood sugars go up. Headaches are often a sign of dehydration.
— Alva
Is a fizzy drink habit harmful?
