Coca-Cola went from a cocaine-infused elixir in 1886 to a universal sugary drink by 1929. Now, more than 200 countries drink the fizzy soda, serving around 1.9 billion servings a day, according to The Coca-Cola Company.
As popular as the drink is, some people consume too much of it. Sugary drinks are one of the major contributors to health conditions such as obesity; type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Studies have shown that drinking too much soda can have a negative effect on a person’s body. Carbonated soda drinks like Coca-Cola do not contain beneficial nutrients; they mostly contain excessive calories and sugar.
Drinking too much Coke causes blood sugar levels to increase dramatically within 20 minutes of drinking, leading to an insulin burst. The liver responds by turning sugar into fat. After the body has absorbed all of the caffeine from the Cola, the pupils begin to dilate and there is an increase in blood pressure.
Despite being an addictive treat, drinking a lot of Cola can also cause diseases. Aside from extra weight gain, drinking too much Coke can cause liver damage. The consumption of too many soft drinks puts people under increased risk for liver cirrhosis, a condition similar to what chronic alcoholics have.
High consumption of the soda pop can also cause tooth decay because the soda’s acidity eats up and dissolves tooth enamel. Because Cola is also known for its high phosphoric acid content, a substance known to change urine in a way that promotes kidney stone formation, researchers have also found that high consumption of the sugary drink also increases a person’s risk of developing kidney stones.
Another big health concern is diabetes. Drinking soda on a regular basis contributes to rapid weight gain while also stressing the body’s ability to process sugar.
Diet Coke isn’t any better for consumers as the drink is known to have aspartame, an ingredient that researchers claim can cause serious health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
Rather than consume Coca-Cola on a regular basis, it is suggested that consumers switch out the sugary drink for water. There are many varieties of water that are carbonated and flavored to mimic soda, without all the unnecessary sugars and calories, so consumers always have a healthier choice without giving up on the fizz they love.
By: Maytinee Kramer
