FIZZ, SUGAR, AND DEATH

Every day, millions of people around the world crack open a can of Coke — seemingly harmless, refreshingly fizzy, and a supposed “staple” of modern culture. Another mind-blowing statistic obtained is that every single day, about 1.7 BILLION servings 🤯 of Coca-Cola are consumed all over the planet. What people always tend to overlook is how Coke has been linked to a host of serious health issues, from obesity and diabetes to dental decay. In this article, we’ll look into the hidden dangers of the world’s favourite soda drink, expose the tactics they use to keep patrons glued, and make the case for why it’s time to consider boycotting this seemingly innocent beverage.

[Disclaimer: This is in no way an attack on the company. Coke consumers can as well cut down their consumption without necessarily quitting, if they choose]

One aluminium can (emphasis on “can”) of cola contains about 37 grams of added sugar, which is equivalent to about 10 teaspoons — the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against consuming more than 8 teaspoons of added sugar daily! This means that by drinking one — just one — serving of Coke a day, a person will easily have exceeded this amount. A British pharmacist, Niraj Naik, once showed the damage that a 330mL can of Coke can inflict on the body within one hour of consumption, based on research by a renowned health writer, Wade Meredith.

According to Naik, the oversweetness from the high sugar content should trigger a person to vomit as soon as it enters the body. However, the diabolically shrewd addition of phosphoric acid in the drink dulls the sweetness and deceives our bodies into thinking we’re consuming something with less sugar. Within 20 minutes of consumption, the insulin levels in the body spike due to the dramatic increase in blood sugar, causing type 2 diabetes. This is why one 2015 study attributed 184,000 global deaths each year to the consumption of sugary drinks (like Coca-Cola).

The phosphoric acid not only masks the intense sweetness of the drink but also contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and dental decay to the average consumer. The phosphoric acid may also interfere with calcium absorption in the long run, and potentially affect bone density. Plus, I must add that oral bacteria feeds on the sugar, produces more acids, and erodes the enamel. Cumulative damage from regular exposure to these acids — coupled with frequent sugar intake — can lead to significant dental deterioration over time.

Though research is still ongoing, ingredients like 4-methylimidazole (4-Mel) have raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects. The mix of caffeine and sugar creates a rewarding effect, making consumers develop a potential dependency and addiction. Despite its popularity, Coke offers very little nutritional value and contributes “empty” calories that take the place of healthier alternatives. Oh, I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here.

The harm Coke containers do to the environment is massive. The company’s global distribution generates billions of plastic bottles and aluminium cans annually, and since recycling procedures and laws are different in each country, many regions end up having a huge amount of these containers in landfills or ocean litter. The hospitalization of victims due to the health risks of overconsumption has also negatively impacted national health systems and public health costs, from obesity & diabetes to dental and bone decay.

Coca-Cola’s shrewd method of advertising targets children and youths often, with colourful advertisements, and uses themes of “happiness” to draw them in. The company has also been known to lobby against public health regulations (such as soda taxes or advertising limits) that try to reduce sugary drink consumption. Coca-Cola, to my utter disdain, has also been documented in cases of funding scientific studies that “lie” to the public and downplay the health risks of sugary beverages. this smart company again, has been involved in sponsorship deals and celebrity endorsements, things that divert attention from their bad side. By avoiding Coke, consumers are cutting a huge amount of sugar (10 teaspoons per serving, in just a can ) from their diet, and consequentially cutting their risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental decay, bone weakening, and heart issues. On the positive environmental side, cutting the intake of Coke can also help reduce plastic and aluminium waste, and lessen the overall water wastage and carbon footprint associated with its production. A consumer boycott also sends a message to the company and policymakers that harmful practices — be they marketing or environmental stewardship — will not be condoned. We have seen multiple times in history where collective consumer action has forced companies to reconsider harmful practices.

To wrap things up, this article is not necessarily telling you to say “NO” to Coke — although in my humble opinion, that has to be the best option and one I do not regret choosing. Rather, it seeks to make you understand the health and environmental consequences of what you put in your body. The decision, then, is left for you to make, choosing if you want to put your health over your pleasure, or vice versa. Of course, Coke is not the only drink with these ramifications (and trust me, there are lots of “silent-killer” sodas out there), but this article focuses on Coke because, as mentioned at the start, it happens to be the most consumed soda drink with about “1.7 billion servings” every single day.

Make up your mind. Health is wealth.