Sodas or soda drinks, called sweet drinks in T & T, are very popular. Studies have shown that the average person would consume 43,371 cans of sodas in his/her lifetime. That's a lot!
Too Much Sodas
What's in a Soda?
The cola industry is booming and expanding even to the remotest areas. Here in Trinidad and Tobago, this product is pushing aside the more traditional drinks such as mauby and the vast number of fruit juices.
Sweet drinks or sodas are cheap and come in large quantities, but they have a lot of sugar (there is about 10 teaspoon of sugar in a 12-ounce non-diet soda). They are rich in phosphorus, and most contain benzene levels up to 10 times higher than the limits for tap water (5ppb). Phosphorus has been known to produce imbalances of calcium intake in teenagers which is likely to increase bone fractures in this age group as well, it also increases the risk of osteoporosis in older folks.
This ready drink is obviously worth very little in nutrition. It contributes to obesity, especially in children. It also contributes to kidney stones, health problems, dental carries, diabetes, and heart diseases. Worst of all it can curb one's appetite. Many who consume large amounts of sweet drinks or sodas find themselves drinking less water than is recommended.
Good Substitutes for Soda
It is better to have fresh juices made from orange, grapefruit, passion fruit, pineapple, mango, five fingers. These juices can be diluted with water or remain 100% pure (which is even better). Either way, fresh juices taste better,are more nutritious, and you drink less juice during the day and more water. As a natural alternative you can even try some teas. Punches are also a good idea.
In other words, your food budget is more than buying food within your means. It is about buying food that is affordable, and nutritionally healthy. After all, taking care of one's health always ensures that you spend less on health problems that could arise out of indulging in foods , like soda drinks, that are not nutritionally dense.