You’re going to have to give up your fizzy drink habit; even the government says so. In his new budget today, the Chancellor laid out his prospects for the fiscal year including a tax on sugary drinks. A litre of coke could rise by as much as 24p, while other drinks in the crosshairs include Iron Bru and Red Bull.
We always knew there was a problem with them, and now we know why; new research published in the journal Circulation has found those who consume sugary drinks are significantly more likely to put on visceral fat – the type of fat that clings hold of your organs. Not keen on getting blubber on your heart? Follow our guide to alternative uses for a can of the sugary stuff.
They rot your teeth (obviously) - No man relishes his annual dentist appointment, even with the promise of a lollipop. And while everyone knows sodas affect your smile, The University of Birmingham found they’re far more potent than previously thought. Research showed fizz – both full-fat and diet – is up to 10 times more corrosive than fruit juices because of its high citric acid content. Steer clear and settle for water.
They make you look older - No matter how many lotions and creams you use, research by the University of California has shown two or more cans of fizzy drink a day makes you age more quickly. This is because your telomeres (the chromosome-protecting ends of DNA) shorten and reduce your cells’ ability to regenerate – making them up to 4.6 times older..
They damage your liver - While alcohol is widely acknowledged to be your liver’s biggest enemy, fizzy drinks can do an equal amount of damage, according to a study published in The Journal of Hepatology. The fructose in your Fanta, researchers found, heads straight for your liver, making you five times more likely to develop fatty liver disease – which can lead to cirrhosis. Sure, your liver can handle the occasional post-work pint, but compounding the damage with pop is a recipe for disaster.
They hide your six-pack - If no amount of core-focused workouts and cardio have managed to free your abs from under an inch of bloat, the reason may lie in your pre-workout pop. A study conducted by the Royal Free Hospital in London discovered the carbonic air in fizzy drinks fills up your stomach causing it to expand. More worryingly, long term bloating caused by carbonated drinks can lead to serious digestive issues, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome
They ruin your diet - The University of Bangor found people who regularly drink two or more cans of fizzy drink a day will crave sugar more regularly. That’s because the drinks dull your perception of sweet tastes. This makes it harder to keep a lid on your troublesome cravings. Take back control of your diet by binning the two-litre bottle.
They can be deadly - If your midday pick-me-up is a can of fluorescent fizz it’s time to grow up and grab a coffee. In a study conducted over a 15-year period for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found indulging in a daily 330ml can is enough to increase your risk of prostate cancer by up to 40%. Not a fan of coffee?