The fizz in soft drinks could add to your waistline

For thousands of women fighting the battle of the bulge here is one more item to add to their list of no-no’s. Researchers at Yale University have found a strong reason for recommending reduction of soft drink consumption by the general population.

Many who wish to reduce weight to gain good health and better quality of life are aware of the danger that lurks in eating sugary foods. While they say no to refined carbohydrates and sweets, they often ignore the disguised form in which sugar could enter their diet. Think of the soft drinks even those that claim to have fruit extracts.

Most of the aerated beverages contain only sugar and water, the fruit pulps or juices being added in very minimal proportions. The synthetic or nature-identical chemicals do not confer any of the health benefits of fresh juices. In effect, these drinks just add empty calories and increase the risk of high circulating sugar in the blood.

Dr Kelly Brownell, director of Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity said although there is no single cause for obesity or soft drinks alone would not contribute to it, there is significant scientific evidence to suggest soft drinks being one of the top causes for obesity.

In one of the studies, researchers studied nearly 92,000 women for eight years and found those who drank two or more soft drinks a day were twice at risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who drank less than one soft drink per month.

This finding is significant because of the growing prevalence of obesity in children and the correlation between obesity and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Moreover, the study also found high levels of consumption of soft drinks often went together with poor nutrition, low intake of milk, calcium, fruits and fiber.

So, what is best alternative for the non-diet soda? Think of having a fresh glass of fruit mocktail. If you do crave, then limit it to periodic consumption.

The beverage manufacturers lobby is naturally miffed at the results claiming they are not conclusive. However, the researchers suggest there is a need for greater awareness especially because of the deeply entrenched commercial interests. While banning soda sales in schools may be a far off solution, you could educate your school-going children and adolescents to look for healthier alternatives. Explore newer options that would interest them and they would have learned a valuable for life.