Top 5 Reasons NOT to Drink Soda

Talk of a “sugar tax” on soda has people all abuzz about whether it’s an American thing to financially punish people for drinking soda or not. I say go ahead and tax soda, and here are five good reasons why:

1. Soda is one more cause of the climate crisis. We have exported our carbon dioxide addiction all around the world. Just think of the costs in fuel to ship it—and the emissions produced. Maybe if we stop drinking so much of it, the appeal of American sodas will decline elsewhere. And at least in most other countries, the local soda is still made with real sugar!

2. Yeah, yeah, yeah…high-fructose corn syrup. HFCS is only cheaper than sugar because our government subsidizes the toxic, poisonous farming of corn in order to keep chemical companies (and maybe big tractor companies, too) in business. Plus, studies have shown that high-fructose corn syrup has mercury in it. So all those moms who think (incorrectly) that mercury in vaccines causes autism had better not be giving their kids soda!

3. Diet soda causes people to make poor decisions. According to a recent study, people who drink diet sodas think they are getting some energy, but their bodies still feel starved, so they kick into famine mode. Which basically means that the future doesn’t matter, all that matters is getting a next dose of fuel—hence, impulsive, short-term thinking. Amazing.

4. Soda isn’t really thirst quenching anyway. Did you ever really, really pay attention to how your mouth feels when you drink a soda? All that sugar kind of sucks out the liquids from your mouth and leaves a taste that is so icky you have to eat something to get rid of it. So not only are you getting empty calories from your drink, but you are urged to snack, too.

Here’s a great substitute December’s Float of the Month: Tangerine-Pomegranate

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lidia F.

10:40AM PDT on Aug 23, 2011

Ironic isn't it?.As I am reading this article,I am also drinking a cola.Hmmmmm,yum,but now I have a new goal.Give up the SODA.!.Thanks for the information.

send a green star

Ray H.

12:44AM PDT on Aug 23, 2011

I cannot believe that the word Aspartime has not been mention in this article , it is in all diet drinks and it is a toxic substance it makes sugar seem healthy . is there a hidden agenda going on somewhere?

Elizabeth S.

10:49PM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

Citation for that study, please? Thanks. :)

Laurie G.

11:31AM PDT on Aug 4, 2011

I like your suggestion about bottled water at the rest areas. It makes me feel less guilty about drinking it. AND I recycle the bottle. Thanks!

SuS NoMail Plez P.

2:45AM PDT on Aug 3, 2011

TY Maria for sharing this info with so many whom are unaware. I HAVEN'T HAD SODA in my home for decades!

Charlene S.

12:29PM PDT on May 31, 2011

I haven't had soda for many years and don't miss it. Green or white tea, filtered water, and the occasional splash of unsweetened fruit juice in sparkling water are great. Who needs soda? If you must have it, try one of the many natural brands available at Whole Foods Market. They taste very good and, although they are still high on the glycemic scale, they are free from the more toxic ingredients found in most conventional sodas and colas.

criss S.

4:22PM PDT on May 30, 2011

Ty.

Lily M.

1:06PM PDT on May 29, 2011

wow, toxic stuff

Penny C.

7:57PM PDT on May 6, 2011

Drink what the lions drink!