In a society where we face liquid temptations all day long- from the morning coffee, tea and juices, to afternoon sodas and energy drinks, to dinnertime drinks and alcoholic beverages. The number of high calorie drinks we consume as well as their sizes are growing steadily. Yet studies show that most of us do not reduce the number of calories we get from food to make up for the increasing amount received from our drinks. Today, beverages account for 21% of the calories that the average American consumes in a day.
Drinks have to many calories, for example, 10% juice and 140 calories in some juices are way to much. This is because most companies choose to use "high fructose corn syrup" instead of the basic cane sugar. Because of this change in some drinks it causes some health effects. Coca-Cola made in Mexico may taste better to some people because it is made with sugar cane. The higher caloric drinks that are consumed are done most of the time for a boost of energy. This boost of energy is created by caffeine which is the most addictive drug in the U.S. You can use, abuse, overuse, build a tolerance, and suffer from withdrawals just like any other drug. I think this is what creates the majority of the problems. with the drinks being high in calories and people in routine of having their drinks it only adds to the problem. The servings are too large, the intake is to easy, and the reliance is to high. I think something should be done about the amount of calories in drinks and their sizes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Fructose_Corn_Syrup
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/sugar-and-obesity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine
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Is Diet Soda a legitimate alternative? Some people believe that aspartame is even more dangerous than sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Seems like we just can't win.
ReplyDeleteHi Zack
ReplyDeleteinteresting subject. i just thought i would add that high doses of caffeine is linked to depression. When caffeine is consumed into our bodies it increases the activity of glycogen phosphorylase which breaks down our storage of glucose in the form of glycogen. Having more glucose available increases our energy (for a time). However to some it is followed by feelings of depression.
http://stresshelp.tripod.com/id7.html
Very nice post! I never really think about drinks as a major source of calorie intake. Personally, I am a big water drinker so this isn't a big problem for me. I do understand how people who are coffee addicts and the like could get into trouble because of over consumption. Very interesting stuff!
ReplyDeleteGreat comments from both of you! I believe that you mean it!
ReplyDelete@Chris yes, I've read you shouldn't exceed 200mg a day. I let myself fill my travel mug once throughout the day and don't refill. I used to drink coffee all day every day and when I stopped doing that I really felt the difference.
Awesome to have so many health nuts in class, one of my favorite subjects!