By Erica Palumbo

Pop. Cola. Soft drink. Whatever you call it, soda has been the reigning summer drink of choice for Americans since Coca Cola popularized it in the early 1940s. Its sweet bubbly taste can be hard to resist during the dog days of summer when all you really want is something convenient to quench your thirst. Though it may be delicious, those carbonated creations can be seriously detrimental to your health. Of course in moderation it’s not harmful to enjoy a glass every once in a while, but be careful not to overindulge in the syrupy drink for a variety of different reasons.

High Sugar Content

Soda has arguably the highest amount of sugar per serving than any other beverage out there. A 12 oz. can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar —or 13 teaspoons — which is half the recommended daily allowance. Diets high in sugar have been the cause of countless medical issues like diabetes, heart disease and hyperactivity in children. If you’re seriously craving a glass, make sure you stay away from sodas with high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings, as these deadly ingredients bring a whole other host of problems to the table. Try IZZE Sparkling Natural Soda if you’re in need of a sweet, refreshing drink without all the yucky additives.

Zero Nutritional Value

Ever hear of the phrase “empty calories?” Soda is the dictionary definition of the saying. Made up of nothing more than sugary syrups, artificial flavorings and colorings, preservatives, and synthetic bubbles, there is absolutely no nutritional benefits to gain from drinking the stuff, besides a quick thirst quench.

Complexion Killer

The majority of people know that drinking too much soda can wreak havoc on your digestive system, but very few know that it can actually ruin your skin as well. The overwhelming amount of sugar in a single serving of soda is often too much for the body to process at one time, which creates breakouts on your skin. According to Mark Hyman, M.D., sugar causes certain pimple producing hormones to spike in the body, leading to the development of acne.

Moral of the story: It’s OK to enjoy a glass of pop here and there, but make sure it isn’t your primary source of hydration. When in doubt, always water down.

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