22 Deadly Reasons to Stop Drinking Soft Drinks
Objective studies have linked the consumption of soda specifically—and added sugars and artificial sweeteners in general—to terrible illness and disease, yet these products still sell in huge volumes. Following are some pretty compelling reasons why you should reconsider Big Soda’s lies.
1. Artificial Color and Cancer
Caramel color is what makes dark sodas dark. It’s made by heating sugars, ammonia, and sulfites to caramelize them. During this process, the chemicals 2- and 4-methylimidazole are produced—these are known carcinogens. (10)
They are so bad that the Center for Science in the Public Interest has petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration to ban them:
“Carcinogenic colorings have no place in the food supply, especially considering that their only function is a cosmetic one. The FDA should act quickly to revoke its approval of caramel colorings made with ammonia.” (11)
2. Artificial Color and Vascular Dysfunction
A ten-year University of Pennsylvania study found a correlation between caramel color and adverse effects on the vascular system. Daily soft drink consumption (especially diet drinks) increases the risk of stroke and heart attack by 61%. (12)