Why Is Water Better to Drink Than Soda?
Soda has been a popular drink for decades. Many people don't take the time to consider what it does to the body, and why water would be a better alternative. Drinking water instead of soda can lead to weight loss, more energy and less acne.
-
Ingredients in Soda
-
Many sodas contain ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar, caramel coloring, phosphoric acid and caffeine. No-calorie or diet sodas can contain artificial sweeteners and high amounts of sodium. All of these ingredients can be detrimental to the human body.
Health Risks of Soda
-
Studies have shown that two or more servings of diet soft drinks per day nearly doubles the risk of kidney function decline due to the high amounts of artificial sweeteners and sodium. Additionally, high fructose corn syrup has been shown to cause rapid weight gain and obesity in animals when consumed at levels well below that in soda, causing a condition that is similar to metabolic syndrome in humans. Caffeine also releases cortisol, the hormone that causes stress in the body.
-
Benefits of Water
-
Water is used in almost every process in your body, and even makes about 60 percent of your body weight. Health professionals recommend drinking eight glasses of water per day, and more if you exercise or live in excessive heat. Being dehydrated can make you fatigued, cause mood swings and even confuse your body and cause hunger cravings instead of thirst. Water also flushes toxins away from the body, which can result in clearer skin and feeling better throughout the day.
-
References
- Photo Credit soda-water image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
