Soda is not good for a person’s health because it contains lots of sugar. Consuming too much soda may lead to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. It may be best to choose healthier alternatives to soda.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, most people in America consume too many added sugars, which can lead to health problems.

This article discusses why soda is bad for a person’s health and suggests alternative drinks that a person can choose from.

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According to the CDCTrusted Source, soda is not good for a person’s health, primarily because of its sugar content. Too much sugar can have adverse effects on a person’s health.

According to one source, a typical 12-ounce (oz) can of soda contains 29.4 to 42 grams (g) of sugar., which is equivalent to 7–10 teaspoons (tsp).

Health effects on the body

The CDCTrusted Source also state that consuming a lot of beverages sweetened with sugar can lead to:

Research conducted in 2018 found that people who regularly drink soda have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes than people who do not drink soda.

According to Harvard Health, soda can cause weight gain. This can occur due to a variety of reasons.

Soda does not make a person feel full in the same way that consuming the same amount of calories from solid food would. Some people may continue eating despite consuming a high-calorie drink.

Additionally, sweet-tasting drinks may increase the appetite for other foods that are high in calories.

Soda can also cause tooth decay. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), sugary drinks are a leading cause of tooth decay.

When the bacteria in the mouth break down the sugar, it produces acid, which can dissolve the surface of the tooth.

Diet soda is also unhealthful. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or saccharin.

Research conducted in 2018 supported the notion that soda is a risk factor for diabetes. The study also found that switching to diet soda does not lower the risk of developing diabetes. It may even be an independent risk factor.

Additionally, 2019 researchTrusted Source tested the effect of low-calorie soda on tooth enamel. The research found that both regular and low-calorie sodas that contained sweeteners had adverse effects on tooth enamel.

The CDC Trusted Sourceendorses sparkling water as an alternative to sugary drinks, such as soda. However, always make sure that the sparkling water does not contain sugar or other sweeteners.

Drinking carbonated water can help people stop consuming soda. Carbonated water does not have to be flavorless. Options are available that contain added fruit flavors and minerals.

Always check the label and choose the varieties that do not contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or sodium.

Experts point out that the best choice for satisfying thirst is water.

Water is good for a person’s overall health. It can help the body to:

  • maintain a good temperature
  • lubricate joints
  • get rid of waste via urination, bowel movements, and sweat
  • prevent kidney stones

To help people consume more water, the CDCTrusted Source recommend:

  • keeping a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator
  • adding a wedge of lime, cucumber, lemon, or watermelon for additional flavor
  • carrying a reusable water bottle during the day and fill it up as needed

Fruit juice is a possible option. However, it also contains a lot of sugar, so it is essential not to consume too much. As an alternative to soda, try adding a quarter or half a cup of 100% fruit juice to some plain sparkling water.

A person can also consume the following in moderation:

  • plain coffee
  • plain tea
  • sparkling water
  • seltzer
  • unsweetened flavored waters

Always read the labels to ensure that the beverages containing added sugar.

The CDC note that added sugars should make up less than 10%Trusted Source of a person’s total daily calories. Additionally, those under the age of 2 should not consume food or drink that contains any added sugars.

Soda is bad for a person’s health. Widespread evidence indicates that sugar-sweetened and diet soda can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.

Alternatives to soda are widely available. They include water, milk, coffee, tea, and even fruit juices in moderation.

Paying attention to nutritional information can help people select beverages that are better for their health.