By JJ Virgin
Few people realize how much sugar and how many empty calories are in a single can of Coke. In fact, a study at Harvard School of Public Health found that women who consume soda or sweetened fruit drinks were more likely to develop Type II diabetes as compared to those who drank sweetened drinks once a month or less often.
And diet sodas aren’t much better, because they trick your taste buds into craving sweet things instead of feeling satisfied with the natural sweetness of strawberries or peaches.
I urge people to skip the soda and drink water (or sparkling water) instead, but kicking that Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew habit is sometimes easier said than done. Experiments on both coasts illustrate how medical professionals and local governments are working to curb soda consumption.
In Boston, a study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that raising the price of soda was more effective at reducing soda sales than educating consumers. And in San Francisco, Mayor Gavin Newsom is calling for a “Soda Free Summer,” asking residents to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. The city has already eliminated soda from the San Francisco Unified School District and ordered city departments not to carry sugar-sweetened drinks in their vending machines.
Regardless of where you live, you can wean yourself off of soda by drinking sparkling water instead. Add a packet of Emergen-C (I love the pink lemonade flavor) and you have a refreshing drink that’s actually good for you!
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