It’s official: soda is evil.
Ok, maybe that’s an overstatement, or at least unnecessary judgment. But with Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed ban on sales of the stuff (in quantities of 16 ounces or more) and other cities considering similar action, there’s more attention than ever on soda’s failing nutritional report card.
Why the bad rap? First, soda is loaded with sugar, typically in the form of high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, which has been shown to contribute to two of our country’s most serious health problems, obesity and diabetes. (Diet soda may not be any better for you; see here and here.) Second: “The most popular, mainstream sodas — Coke, Pepsi and the like — are full of chemicals that do a sum total of absolutely nothing good for our bodies,” says Clean Plates founder and nutritionist, Jared Koch.
So what’s a soda fan to do? Here are a few options. Continue reading
