CARBONATED DRINKS

Carbonated drinks or sodas’s as they are popularly called are actually water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure and flavour that contain fruits extracts, or sugar some contain saccharin. This carbon dioxide-infused gas produces a bubbly drink that can also be called sparkling water, soda, fizzy water, etc.  Carbonation can happen naturally or artificially through pressurizing. These drinks sometimes create or trigger sour receptors in our taste buds.

 Not all drinks especially beverages or non-alcoholic drinks are necessarily carbonated. Soft drinks refer to those drinks that have an artificial sweetening agent, edible acids and natural or artificial flavors, and sometimes juice. Coffee, tea, milk, cocoa, undiluted fruit, and vegetable juices are not considered soft drinks. The first marketed soft drinks appeared in the 17^th century as a mixture of water and lemon juice sweetened with honey.

The most popular soft drink or carbonated drink in Nigeria has to be Coca-Cola, made by the Coca-Cola Company, which originated in 1886. It became quite popular in America; it literally became part of its culture. .” Although the ingredients in carbonated drinks are deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, these beverages may cause side effects, especially if you consume them on a regular basis. Familiarizing yourself with the possible side effect of carbonated drinks can help you make informed nutrition choices

Drinking high-sugar soft drinks is most commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. But sodas can also have ill effects on your smile, potentially leading to cavities and even visible tooth decay. … When you drink soda, the sugars it contains interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Aesthetically it could turn your teeth yellow where you might want a teeth whitening service. Consuming carbonated soft drinks may cause repeated belching as your stomach stretches from the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas.

Food and stomach acid may come up your food pipe as you belch, causing heartburn and a sour taste in your mouth. Consuming sugar-sweetened, carbonated drinks add calories to your diet, which may increase your risk of overweight and obesity. If you are a woman, consumption of cola-type, carbonated drinks may reduce your bone strength, soda can also reduce the ability of people who already have diabetes to control blood glucose. According to a study published in 2010, the risk of developing diabetes is 26%  higher for people who  consume one or more sugary drinks every day. Even switching to artificially sweetened or ‘diet’ soda containing sugar alternatives may not reduce the risk of diabetes. Moderation is strongly advised in order to stay healthy. Once in a while replace that soda with a bottle of water, your body and mind will thank you and your health will radiate.