Soda is the most popular carbonated beverage enjoyed worldwide for its fizzy sweetness and instant refreshment. But while an occasional soda may not do much harm, drinking it every day can have profound effects on your body. From blood sugar spikes to long-term organ damage, here's a closer look at what happens when soda becomes a daily habit and why it's worse than you think. The moment soda comes into contact with the tongue, your body reacts dramatically. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the sugar is absorbed by the intestines, resulting in a quick boost in blood sugar levels. A single can contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar, more for females and close to the suggested daily amount for a male, according to the American Heart Association.

The infographic detailing the breakdown, created by The Renegade Pharmacist, a popular one to view across the internet, suggests that it outlines the ill effects of the soda on our health within under 60 minutes after consumption. Designed based on the research of a health writer by the name Wade Meredith, the infographic details several ill effects associated with drinking Coke. Within ten minutes of the consumption of the Coke, ten teaspoons of sugar hit your body. Normally, such sweetness would trigger vomiting response, but the phosphoric acid in the soda suppresses it. The Domino Effect of Soda on Your Organs

At 20 minutes, your body will release insulin because of sugar overload and the liver begins to convert the excess into fat.

By 40 minutes, the caffeine in the soda has been absorbed and begins to take effect, causing dilation of pupils, increased blood pressure, and another sugar release into the bloodstream.

At 45 minutes, dopamine production increases, stimulating pleasure centers in the brain just like addictive substances.

And 60 minutes later, the diuretic effect has begun, resulting in fluid loss, including essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for bone health.

This sugar rush cycle, followed by a crash, makes you feel drowsy, cranky, and craves more sugar, creating an unending vicious loop that will put you in harm's way long-term.

What Does Soda Do to Your Body?

Stomach

Regular soda consumption is linked to weight gain and obesity. A 2021 study published in Preventing Chronic Disease found that 63% of U.S. adults consume soda daily, which has been strongly associated with excessive calorie intake. Unlike solid food, soda doesn’t provide satiety, meaning you’re likely to consume more calories without realizing it. Additionally, high sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Soda is acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, especially in people who have acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues. The carbonation in soda causes bloating, gas, and discomfort, while excess sugar disrupts gut microbiota, which can lead to digestive problems and inflammation.

Heart

Daily soda consumption heightens the possibility of heart diseases by a number of folds. A study at the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that there is a chance of 98% higher and 53% higher likelihood that adults who tend to drink much soda have less HDL in their blood streams and high levels of triglycerides, thus increasing the occurrence of artery blockage plaques, which has a high danger of heart attacks and stroke.

High fructose levels in soda also contribute to increasing abdominal fat, thus raising cardiovascular disease risks. When sugar cannot be used as energy, the liver converts it into fat, which piles up around organs and contributes to metabolic syndrome.

Brain

Soda impacts brain chemistry in ways that make it very addictive. One study published in the *British Journal of Sports Medicine* found that sugar had a similar effect on the brain as addictive drugs. The swift release of dopamine after soda is consumed makes it hard to cut back because the brain begins associating soda with pleasure and reward. Over time, this results in increased cravings and excessive consumption, much like substance addiction.

Additionally, soda dries up the body because of its diuretic properties, which cause electrolyte imbalances leading to digestion and overall health problems.

Also Read: Your Daily Can Of Soda May Increase Your Risk Of A Heart Stroke

Oral Health

Soda is acidic and sugary, which does not help much with dental health. A 2022 study published in *Biomimetics* has associated frequent soda consumption with tooth decay, enamel erosion, and even tooth loss. Sugar in soda combines with oral bacteria to produce lactic acid, which dissolves the enamel of the teeth. Soda also suppresses saliva production, which is needed to neutralize acids and protect the teeth.

Gum health also suffers because sugar and acid encourages inflammation, which leads to gum disease. Gum disease, left untreated, can lead to receding gums, infections, and eventual loss of teeth.

Kidneys and Liver

Soda has been linked to increased risks for kidney disease as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The high phosphorus levels in soda place extra strain on the kidneys over time. These can lead to kidney stones and chronic kidney disease.

The liver has to metabolize sugar, which is overworked by excessive soda consumption. Non-stop conversion of sugar into fat causes liver fat, and a high risk for NAFLD increases the likelihood of cirrhosis or even liver failure.

What Are the Healthier Alternatives?

You don't need soda; replacing it with a healthy drink is an excellent decision to make in terms of well-being. The alternatives are as follows:

• Infused water: Add fruit or herbs for a natural flavored drink.
• Flavored or unflavored seltzer: Provides the fizz without the sugar.
• Kombucha: Is a fermented, probiotic- rich tea beverage that supports great gut health, and sparkling teas are refreshing yet full of antioxidant power.
• No-alcohol Sparkling wine : Great idea for special celebration without the burden of sugar loads.

Drinking soda every day may seem insignificant, but those long-term damages to your body can be more severe.

From metabolic disorders to heart disease, digestive issues, and tooth decay, soda's impact goes far beyond empty calories. Reducing or eliminating soda from your diet can help protect your body, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. If you're looking for an alternative, opt for refreshing, natural beverages that hydrate and nourish rather than harm. Your body will thank you for it.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among US Adults in 50 States and the District of Columbia, 2010 and 2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2021

Sugar addiction: is it real? A narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018

Get the Facts: Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Consumption. CDC

Impact of Highly Acidic Beverages on the Surface Hardness and Weight Loss of Human Teeth. Biomimetics (Basel). 2022

Choline is often known as "brain food". It is a nutrient related to B vitamins that play an important role in body and brain functions. However, the concerning part is about 90% of people do not consume enough of it.

It is essential for producing acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps neurons or the nerve cells to build connections and communicate effectively. As people age, acetylcholine levels naturally decline. When these levels are lower than usual, it can cause conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Research also suggests that low levels of acetylcholine can impair memory, focus, and the ability to recall words.

As per a 2021 study published in the journal Behavioral Neurology, individuals who consumed between 188 to 400 mg of choline on a daily basis had a lower risk of cognitive decline. They had at least 40% less risk of experiencing cognitive decline compared to those with lower intakes of choline.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Choline? How They Benefit?

There are various forms of choline some benefit more than others.

For instance phosphatidylcholine is a type of choline that is found in eggs and is linked with lower dementia risk. A 2019 study observed that every additional 50 mg per day of phosphatidylcholine intake was associated with a 10 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing dementia. Since a large egg contains around 169 mg of choline, most of which is phosphatidylcholine, incorporating eggs into the diet can be particularly effective.

There are other emerging research in this field that suggests that increasing choline intake after Alzheimer's diagnosis could also slow the progression of the disease. It could also provide potential benefits even in the later stages of cognitive decline.

Are There Other Health Benefits Of Choline?

Other than helping the brain stay sharp, choline can also help maintain healthy liver function. It can play an important role for fat and glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases like fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes.

It could also contribute to cardiovascular health by controlling inflammation, which is one of the leading reasons for heart diseases, including stroke.

How Much Choline In Okay to Consume?

Although the body makes a small amount of choline naturally, it is not sufficient to meet daily needs. The recommended Daily Value (DV) for choline is 550 mg. This amount typically needs to be obtained through diet or supplements.

While it’s possible to get enough choline through food, certain groups, such as older adults or those following a plant-based diet, may find it challenging. In such cases, supplements may be considered. However, not all multivitamins provide sufficient choline, so selecting a specific choline supplement — ideally around 300 mg — could be necessary. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting supplements is always advisable.

What Foods Contain Choline?

There are many common food that contains choline, some of them include:

• Egg, 1 large (169 mg)
• Edamame, 1 cup (87 mg)
• Turkey breast, 3.5 oz. (84 mg)
• Chicken thighs, 3.5 oz. (75 mg)
• Salmon, 3.5 oz. (79 mg)
• Broccoli or Brussels sprouts, 1 cup (63 mg)
• Red potato, 1 large (57 mg)
• Kidney beans, ½ cup (45 mg)
• 2% milk, 1 cup (45 mg)
• Cottage cheese, 1 cup (37 mg)
• Plain low-fat yogurt, 1 cup (35 mg)

Often tossed aside without a second thought, banana peels make up nearly 35% of the ripe fruit’s total weight. Yet, they are not only edible but also brimming with nutrients that could offer significant health benefits. Incorporating banana peels into your diet is an easy way to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals while contributing to efforts against food waste.

Banana peels are rich in key nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fats, and essential amino acids. Among these, fiber plays a vital role in promoting digestive health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and supporting heart health. Meanwhile, the potassium content can help manage blood pressure, protect bone density, and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

Research also highlights that banana peels are abundant in antioxidants, particularly when the fruit is unripe. Antioxidants are crucial for combating inflammation and may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, integrating banana peels into meals can add a powerful nutritional punch.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Conventional bananas are often treated with pesticides, and while peeling the fruit usually minimizes exposure, consuming the peel could lead to higher intake of pesticide residues. Pesticide exposure has been associated with health risks including autism, certain cancers, hypertension, diabetes, and cognitive decline. To minimize this risk, it is advisable to choose organic bananas whenever possible and to wash the peels thoroughly before use.

Another potential drawback is the taste and texture of banana peels, which some people find unappealing due to their bitterness and toughness. Opting for very ripe bananas and cooking the peels can help make them softer and sweeter, improving their palatability.

For those willing to experiment, banana peels can be prepared in various delicious ways. Start by selecting ripe bananas, washing the peels carefully, and removing the stem. The peels can then be blended into smoothies or added to banana bread batter. Cooking methods like baking, boiling, or frying not only soften the peels but also make them suitable for savory dishes. In fact, cooked banana peels have been used as substitutes for bacon or pulled pork in plant-based recipes. They can also enhance stir-fries, curries, and sandwiches, adding both flavor and nutritional value.

Incorporating banana peels into your diet is not just about maximizing nutrition—it’s also a step toward sustainable eating. They offer an innovative way to reduce food waste while supplying a range of important nutrients. Whether blended into a smoothie or cooked into a hearty dish, banana peels can add a nutritious and eco-friendly twist to your meals.

By making simple adjustments, like opting for organic bananas and experimenting with recipes, you can tap into the nutritional benefits of banana peels and make your diet more sustainable and health-conscious.

Every aisle in the modern supermarkets reflects the convenience that comes with food these days—frozen meals, packaged foods, instant drinks—all designed to fit right into the busy lives of people today. Yet behind the ease and the flavor lies a growing volume of scientific evidence sounding an alarming warning, ultra-processed foods may be quietly speeding up the risk of early death.

The fascination and attraction of fast, easy, and very tasty foods commonly masks a dark truth. An international research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine indicates that heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) dramatically raises the risk of premature mortality. This new proof revives widespread demands for global food reforms since UPFs currently make up the majority of diets in most nations, including the United States.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods, also known as UPFs, are industrial products often made of ingredients that are not typically used in home preparation preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, and hydrogenated oils. Some of these foods are ready-to-eat products such as sugary beverages, pizzas, burgers, chicken nuggets, chocolates, and snack foods.

Ultra-processed foods, engineered with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, now comprise over half the average American diet, based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Their ubiquity and intensive marketing have made them seem inevitable, but accumulating evidence indicates that the health toll is much more serious than realized.

Under the NOVA food classification system, UPFs are defined by their intensive industrial processing, which is typically used to produce hyper-palatable and highly profitable foods. Yet, the convenience comes with an increasingly large body of evidence showing that these foods contribute to a variety of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and various forms of cancer.

How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Linked to Early Death Risk?

The new study by Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil compared dietary and mortality data from eight nations. Their results are chilling:

In the United States alone, UPFs contribute to 124,107 avoidable early deaths each year.

England has around 17,781 premature deaths each year due to UPF consumption.

Similar trends are seen in other nations: 25,000 early deaths in Brazil, 17,000 in Mexico, and 7,700 in Canada.

It is discovered that a 10% increase in consumption of UPFs increases the probability of death by age 75 by 3%. In the U.S. and U.K., where UPFs account for over half of total dietary energy (54.5% and 53.4% respectively), the consequence is particularly sinister.

How Ultra-Processed Foods Harm Your Health?

It's not only the high contents of unhealthy fats, salts, and sugars that render UPFs harmful. The very industrial processing itself — and the multitude of artificial additives such as colorants, emulsifiers, and sweeteners — seems to have negative impacts on human health. As Nilson says, these foods impact health outside of the conventional nutrient content by changing the foods at the molecular level.

This insight changes the story: it's not so much about calories or macronutrient mix, but the chemical and structural changes foods go through when processed.

A number of studies, including a February 2024 study, have established a clear "dose-response" between UPF consumption and adverse health outcomes. Even modest increases in UPF intake — a mere serving per day — have been linked to:

• 50% greater risk of death due to cardiovascular disease
• 53% higher risk of anxiety
• 55% increased risk of obesity
• 40% increased risk of the development of type 2 diabetes
• 41% increased risk of sleep disorders
• 20% higher risk of depression and premature death from all causes
• Adding only an additional 10% more UPFs onto a previously optimal diet was also associated with increased rates of cognitive decline, stroke, and upper gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Preventable Deaths Across Continents Due to Consumption of UPF

Nilson and his group approximated preventable premature deaths resulting from UPF consumption to range by country:

• 4% in Colombia
• 5% in Brazil
• 6% in Chile
• 10.9% in Canada
• 13.7% in the United States
• 13.8% in England

The statistics highlight that UPF death rates are highest in countries where such foods are prevalent in diets. Although the leading consumers are high-income nations, middle-income countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are rapidly closing in, sparking fears of an emerging global health epidemic.

Why Are UPFs So Dangerous?

Aside from the additives and processing, UPFs interfere with proper metabolic functions. They make their way into systemic inflammation, interfere with the gut microbiota, affect satiety signals, and are highly addictive. These actions individually boost the risk of chronic disease and early death.

Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, dementia, and obesity are all part of the expanding list of conditions associated with excessive UPF consumption.

Steps to Cut Down Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Although it might not be feasible for everyone to completely eliminate UPFs, making slow, sustainable changes can make a big difference in health outcomes:

Prioritize whole foods: Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds should be the staple of your diet.

Read labels carefully: Be wary of lengthy ingredient lists with unknown additives.

Cook at home: Cooking yourself provides more control over ingredients and cooking techniques.

Make gradual transitions: Rather than an all-or-nothing method, gradually decrease dependence on ultra-processed foods.

Prioritize balance: Opt for half the plate to consist of fruits and vegetables at each meal.

Educational campaigns and supportive policies may also assist consumers in making educated decisions and transitioning away from ultra-processed diets.

As the racks in our supermarkets become heavier with brightly colored packaging, experts are calling on Americans to change their diets not tomorrow, but today. Ultra-processed foods—think packaged snack foods, ready-to-eat meals, sweet cereals, and even some so-called "health" bars have quietly insinuated themselves into our daily lives.