Are soft drinks/pop really OK?
JessHealthKick
Posts: 800 Member
So, I have been against soft drinks for years now... and there are some avid, soft drink supporters on this site. There is apparently nothing bad, they are all good (fitting your allowance of course) and everyone should be happy and stop saying they are bad for you. Well, this is what MFPers tend to argue anyway.
Please give this a read: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/centre-for-environmental-health-says-carcinogegn4-methylimidazole-remains-in-pepsi-products/story-fneuz92c-1226674013977
Some people may/may not know, California found that there was such a high level of carcinogens (cancer causing chemical) in Pepsi that they passed a law requiring Pepsi to fix their formula. If they didn't, there would need to be a CANCER WARNING LABEL on the product.
Defence: This is just one thing, blabla Coke is fine blabla argue argue argue...
but I don't think people can argue that it's not better to avoid this chemically, processed, nutrient empty (gross tasting) drink...!
Watch out for your health guys, just because something can be bought in a supermarket, doesn't mean it's really safe to be consumed!
Jess
Please give this a read: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/centre-for-environmental-health-says-carcinogegn4-methylimidazole-remains-in-pepsi-products/story-fneuz92c-1226674013977
Some people may/may not know, California found that there was such a high level of carcinogens (cancer causing chemical) in Pepsi that they passed a law requiring Pepsi to fix their formula. If they didn't, there would need to be a CANCER WARNING LABEL on the product.
Defence: This is just one thing, blabla Coke is fine blabla argue argue argue...
but I don't think people can argue that it's not better to avoid this chemically, processed, nutrient empty (gross tasting) drink...!
Watch out for your health guys, just because something can be bought in a supermarket, doesn't mean it's really safe to be consumed!
Jess
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Replies
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Actually, pretty much everything in California has a 'this product may cause cancer' label.
Or 'this area may cause cancer.'
Don't base anything on prop 65. It was a bill passed to increase revenue for companies that print warning labels and signs.0 -
oooohhhhhh noooooooooosssss!!! We're all going to die!!! :drinker: I better have another drink of my Diet Dr Pepper before I suddenly explode or something.0
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Soda is fine so long as you're not getting anywhere near a significant percentage of your calories from sugar. They are empty calories, so there is an issue of vitamin deficiencies. However, if you're getting all of your vitamins and minerals from the other food you eat, then sugar is not a huge deal. There is no evidence that sugar intake has any direct link to negative health outcomes.
And if you get your sugar from fruit, then you really shouldn't worry about it. But as always, do what works for you. As for cancer, everything causes cancer over time. Cancer is typically an old person's disease for a reason. Everyone eventually gets cancer if they live long enough, with the length of time dependent on environment as well as genetics.0 -
Not sayin' drink a gallon of soda every day...but a soda here and there isn't gonna hurt ya...sorry OP...in the State of California, research has shown that research causes cancer.0 -
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2430246/
I recommend this article. Also, as someone else mentioned, California has that kind of label on everything. Those kinds of labels are not seen in my state, as well as many other states.
As someone that consumes/has grown up on Diet Coke, I have looked into this issue, and of course I wouldn't say Diet soda is *good* for you, but there isn't conclusive/accurate science to prove it to be even detrimental to my life. If you look carefully at the studies, the amount of Aspartame the rats are consuming is actually physically impossible for a human to consume in a day. Even on days when I have a disgusting amount of Diet soda, it isn't even CLOSE to the amount they are feeding these rats. I need to stress this. Basically, the dosage they are giving these rats would be enough to kill them - regardless of what it was. Lawyers are trying to skew the studies to make a profit. The science really doesn't support these dramatic claims.
As an American, I advocate Diet Soda since a lot of Americans have grown up on fizzy regular sodas which contain around 210 calories per can! If you can allot that into your daily calories, I suppose that is your "dessert" choice, but I think for most people, if you dedicate *that* many of your calories to be liquid calories, you will be left feeling sluggish, still hungry, and very susceptible to weight gain. As you said before, nutritionally they aren't providing anything either. So, if you have Diet Soda, you can REALLY cut out a lot of calories. I know some Americans that have 5 regular sodas a day! That might sound gross to you, but I mean I am not shocked at the idea of having 5 diet cokes in a day (if your stomach is used to all that carbonation it isn't that horrifying to me, just a difference of what kinds of diets we are used to), but having that much sugar does shock me a bit. Still, it isn't my place to judge anyone, but I can say I have seen a lot of people really drop weight when they simply switch to diet soda. At this point, I would say for a lot of people it is definitely a more healthy choice in the sense that they need to lose weight and have weaned themselves off of an unhealthy product.
For me, my stomach ailments are all inherited from my mother (stomach can't digest a lot of foods), and the only concern I would have to heavy diet soda drinkers is to make sure to take Glucosamine and Calcium if you aren't getting a sufficient amount of calcium/have joint pain. Carbonated drinks ARE bad for your bones, so it is really important to be diligent about that. Also, take vitamin D to make sure you are actually "taking in" the calcium.
Diet drinks are yummy (I think) because I have grown up on them. They also really help my digestion because no matter how much fiber etc I have, I need a little caffeine so "get things going." Coffee has wayy too much caffeine for me. (http://coffeetea.about.com/od/caffeinehealth/a/How-Much-Caffeine-Is-In-Coffee-Tea-Cola-And-Other-Drinks.htm) But, that's just me. I know for people that need caffeine, but if have too much caffeine feel jittery, Diet soda can be a good option. Tea and things like that are obviously the "better" choice, but yes. There are also caffeine-free Diet sodas that I think are very convenient! Finally, if you are still paranoid about Aspartame, there are Diet sodas that contain Stevia which is all-natural and comes from a plant. It isn't artificial, so there is that option.
So, in conclusion, if you are diligent about calcium intake, there isn't a problem with Diet Soda.0 -
People are so bloody rude on here! Wow.
Personally I love diet soft drinks, although I'm trying to cut down for my teeth. Had some lectures about aspartame but found no good evidence of their negative effects. For me though, non diet soft drinks are just a waste of my calories. One coke is the equivalent of breakfast. I'd rather have more breakfast.0 -
I was never trying to be rude, but more informative. I guess as someone who pretty much stopped having sugary drinks from the age of 12, I can't quite comprehend the obsession, especially when there is all this worrying research appearing publicly. I am simply trying to help inform... yes I come across as *****y, but hey that is just who I am. I guess something that has studies pointing that it is possibly a worry for your health being defended seems strange to me. It is like if I defended my chocolate eating habit - I usually try to fit it in my cals, but no where have I read it is possible linked to cancer, brain damage (some people susceptible with soda) as well as MS-like symptoms (sorry I can't link rn, ask google).
All for moderation, but I guess as someone who isn't American, I find it somewhat amusing how much Americans defend having such enormous cups of empty calories. Yes it is your life and all, but considering America (my country Aus isn't far behind) is having more health problems and if I recall correctly, a decreasing life expectancy for women, perhaps there should be restrictions on these drinks like there are cigarettes and alcohol? For large quantities available there in a 'single serving' that is.0 -
All for moderation, but I guess as someone who isn't American, I find it somewhat amusing how much Americans defend having such enormous cups of empty calories. Yes it is your life and all, but considering America (my country Aus isn't far behind) is having more health problems and if I recall correctly, a decreasing life expectancy for women, perhaps there should be restrictions on these drinks like there are cigarettes and alcohol? For large quantities available there in a 'single serving' that is.
So should the government control all aspects of our lives? They control cigarettes and alcohol... along with so much more... why give them something else to control? As humans we can choose. Do I agree with some who are putting themselves at risk... no.. especially when I live in a place that has universal health care but it's a choice and our governments should not be taking away our choice.
I don't believe a lot of the "research" out there on pop. There has yet to be anything PROVEN on HUMANS that diet pops and such are bad for us. Sure, they aren't the best things in the world however nothing has yet to be proven.0 -
Saying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.0
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Saying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.
This. How we (Americans or otherwise) justify drinking crap that offers us nothing nutritionally is kind of mind boggling. Water IS perfectly wonderful in abundance.0 -
In to read all about how I'm going to die a painful cancerous death from my Mello Yello and Coke that I have when I eat at a restaurant. :laugh:
Damn, and all this time I thought it was the cow's milk, cheese, and bacon that was going to give me the cancer. :drinker:0 -
I was never trying to be rude, but more informative.
I didn't mean you were being rude, some of the replies were, like all of the very helpful 'OH NOESSS!' and someone telling you to 'stfu'. Basic manners really seem to be lacking on this site.
I completely agree that it's empty calories, even if I don't agree there is any evidence it's harmful in moderation!0 -
I always think if it tastes good it's probably not healthy haha. I LOVE diet coke. I know I shouldn't but it just washes a meal down nicely, doesn't it?
I think it's all about balance. Don't have too much and make sure you drink healthy drinks too.
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Saying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.
Nobody said it was "good for you"...it's just not going to make your head explode. I have 3 San Pellegrino Orange sodas per week. It has basically three ingredients...orange juice, carbonated water, cane sugar....but yeah...my head's going to explode any minute now.0 -
I was never trying to be rude, but more informative.
I didn't mean you were being rude, some of the replies were, like all of the very helpful 'OH NOESSS!' and someone telling you to 'stfu'. Basic manners really seem to be lacking on this site.
I completely agree that it's empty calories, even if I don't agree there is any evidence it's harmful in moderation!
It's all of the alarmist bull****....0 -
I don't think anyone said soda was "good " for you in moderation did they...they said not harmful...in the quest for fairness, let's be accurateSaying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.0 -
Moderation! Don;t drink a gallon a day. You'll be fine.
Jack Daniels has a label that says "drink responsibly" I drink JD now and again and I'm fine. BE Moderate!0 -
Saying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.
This. How we (Americans or otherwise) justify drinking crap that offers us nothing nutritionally is kind of mind boggling. Water IS perfectly wonderful in abundance.
[/quote
Our city supplied water is also chemically altered...so it may be a stretch to say Water is wonderful in abundance.....I'd say anyone can find a study to support their opinion on anything if they really tried....research is a funny thing..it's all relative to who pays for the study I'd say.0 -
perhaps there should be restrictions on these drinks like there are cigarettes and alcohol? For large quantities available there in a 'single serving' that is.
restrict and regulate sugary drinks? oh hell to the no. i defend my right to drink myself to death with whatever i want. that said, ive never really been a soda drinker... i prefer my pure sugar in Skittles form. but i think that if soda is your treat of choice, and you can fit it into your diet, then more power to you.
ETA im American, and yes i am defending the rights of people to drink enormous sodas. that does not make it healthy, but food consumption is not something to be regulated by any governing body. educate the people and let them make their own choices. my body.0 -
All for moderation, but I guess as someone who isn't American, I find it somewhat amusing how much Americans defend having such enormous cups of empty calories.
That's why I drink 0 cal soda. A big old cup of tasty (more or less) calorie free liquid. Kind of like water, but without the sense of moral obligation and resentment.0 -
I love Coke..I just dont drink it everyday ....a couple of cans a week..0
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Whenever one of these stories hit the headlines, my old boss used to say "there's a whole lot more cases of people dying from NOT eating food, than cases of dying from eating food".
OK, he might then pour a large G&T, but d-you see where he was coming from?:drinker:
Personally, I think a daily diet soda will do you a lot less harm than a daily crispy creme doughnut. And I refuse to waste calories on something like a soft drink when there's wine in the fridge as well :bigsmile:0 -
I live in Alabama. One day I look to the back of latex gloves that I use for work and it said..' Known to cause cancer in the state of California."
It got my mind thinking: What about the other 49 states?
Point being: California is one back wards state. Love it but I wouldn't want to move there.
In any case, coke won't cause much harm. It's the diet stuff a person should look out for. xx0 -
Huh? Cocaine isn't good for you? Now ya tell me. ftwSaying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.0 -
Saying soda is good for you in moderation is like saying cocaine is good for you in moderation.
The irony of your statement is that I'm sure that cocaine in moderation probably would have some positive side effects. Alcohol in moderation has positive side effects. Of course, all of the potential problems associated with both of those and the tendency of humanity to take things to excess makes it not worth the trouble to pretend like either of those would be a realistic part of a healthy diet.
Drinking soda is one of those things that isn't going to kill you if done in moderation, but it will be a barrier between you and a "perfect" body. You have to decide for yourself what your goals are and decide if soda should be included in it.0 -
They taste really good. There's this craving to drink one. I don't usually drink soda, never have had a steady habit of it. But when I drink one they kinda "hit the spot".
But I have found other drinks that are naturally carbonated and acidic.....kombucha, for example. Or homemade rootbeer. Or Kefir.
I think this is why people want to drink soda, because our bodies naturally crave the cultured tonic-like drinks.
Soda mimics this type of drink, but it does so in an unhealthy manner.....or at least devoid of benefits you would get from cultured foods/drinks.0 -
I live in Alabama. One day I look to the back of latex gloves that I use for work and it said..' Known to cause cancer in the state of California."
It got my mind thinking: What about the other 49 states?
Point being: California is one back wards state. Love it but I wouldn't want to move there.
no but see, this is my point. i think california is doing it right. a thing, whatever thing, is shown in some study to cause cancer. so you tell the people about it, and allow them to make informed decisions for themselves. in alabama they dont tell you that exposure to a thing can be bad for you, and this not telling the people is a good thing? california is not telling you not to use gloves, california is telling you to use your brain and make an informed decision.0 -
When I started MFP, i quit pop cold-turkey for 1 solid month. When I decided to indulge in half a can of Dr. Pepper, my body did not approve and sent me running to the nearest toilet! That said, I have had a few pop drinks here and there since then and I've been OK, so whatever :P What I am learning tho is that the more sugar-laden things I consume the more I crave them (btw - I refuse to drink anything diet - those artificial sweeteners will kill you before the real ones will!). And I HATE dealing with cravings, so...0
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Is there anything that doesn't cause cancer anymore? Everytime I read medical articles, they mention cancer being caused by this, that, and the next thing. I don't know where to turn to avoid cancer. Soda isnt' healthy, but it's not a major cause of cancer either. Unless you drink 1-2 gallons of it everyday for decades....0
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I am American, but I also think it is funny how people get so offended and start defending the sodas when this is brought up. I grew up drinking a lot of soda, and I still drink one every once in a while. But to try to say that they are good for you is just hooey. The regular ones have a lot of sugar and empty calories, and the diet ones have artificial sweeteners, which are not good for you either. Just because you like something and don't want to give it up does not make it good for you!0
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