It's important for everyone to rethink their consumption of carbonated soft drinks. Several years ago, I made the decision to stop buying soda for my family. Like many other American families, we had a special section in the kitchen, or garage, where we kept a stockpile of Cola 12packs, and we each drank two or three cans a day. Then through some special research, from medical sites, nutritional, and even spirituality sites, I learned just how detrimental this can be. Now, for my family, cola is a special treat, served only on special occasions, holidays, and restaurant visits. I'm offering the public some information that I have come across. Read it, and consider it. But please, don't take my word for it, research it yourself, and make a wise, informed decision.
- A research hospital in India had found a relationship between carbonated soft drinks and a documented increase in esophageal cancer, a fatal disease. Consumption of carbonated beverages in the U.S. has risen 450% in the last 50 years. From 10.8 gallons per person a year to 49.2 gallons for per person. The rate of esophageal cancer has increased by more than 570% in 25 years. The same trend is happening around the world. The Indian researchers say: "Soft drinks cause the stomach to distend, which in turn causes the gastric reflux associated with esophageal cancer".
- Trade in that can of soda for a bottle of water! Soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories per 12-ounce can. Perdue University reports that if you drink soda and you don't eat less food to make up for those extra soda calories, of course you will gain weight. Calories count. Plain old water is still the best way to quench your thirst fast. It's easy to digest and very accessible. Besides, it can help quell those hunger pangs so you'll eat less.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes after drinking soda, before brushing your teeth! Cola is so acidic, that it can actually dissolve the upper layers of the tooth. Waiting to brush allows the tooth enamel to mount its own defense against acidic erosion, through protective agents in the saliva that repair and rebuild tooth enamel. Brushing too soon not only destroys this opportunity, but also brushes off the affected layers of the teeth. Drinking carbonated beverages from Dr. Pepper to Diet Coke, which are easily available in many middle school and high school vending machines, is the major cause of tooth erosion (when the protective enamel coating on teeth wears away) in teenagers. It's not tooth decay, which is due to lots of sugar. Instead, erosion is caused by acidic substances in drinks. Erosion not only weakens the teeth, but also can cause thinning or chipping of the tooth edges.
- Phosphoric acid in colas causes calcium to be pulled from the bones, and eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If your phosphoric acid intake is higher than your calcium intake, then this is a major concern. Even if you take calcium supplements, or consume calcium fortified foods regularly, this may not be enough. You see, there are also hidden phosphates in our meat products, and packaged meals. You may not have control over some things, but you have total control over whether or not to add that extra phosphate to your diet through cola products.
Let's take a look at the other uses for the cola that we've all been putting into the soft tissues of our bodies:
1. Many American highway patrol officers carry "Cola" in their trunks, to remove blood stains from the highway after a car accident.
2. A piece of meat will be nearly dissolved after soaking for two days in a bowl of "Cola".
3. Pour a can of "Cola" into the toilet bowl and let sit for one hour, then flush clean. The citric acid in "Cola" removes stains from vitreous china.
4. A crumpled piece of aluminum foil, dipped in "Cola", will remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers.
5. Pour A can of "Cola" poured over a car's battery terminals to bubble away the corrosion, allowing a better connection.
6. Loosen a rusted bolt by applying a cloth soaked in "Cola", let sit for several minutes.
7. "Cola" can be used to clean road grime from dirty windshields.
8. Empty a can of "Cola" into a load of grease stained clothes, add detergent, And run through a regular cycle. The "Cola" will help loosen grease stains.
9. The phosphoric acid in "Cola", at a level of 2.8 is enough to dissolve a nail in approximately 4 days.
10. Commercial trucks that carry concentrated "Cola" syrup, must display the hazardous material warning placards that are used for highly corrosive materials.
11. Truck drivers and mechanics have been using "Cola" to clean their engines for nearly 20 years, including those who drive "Cola" trucks!
(A particular popular brand of cola had been named in these statements, as I researched them from around the internet, but I have replaced the name with "Cola". Although all dark colas are harmful, perhaps this one particular brand may have more of those harmful ingredients than others. I will leave it to you to figure out which one.)
