The truth about fizzy pop..

It was startling to find out that some of my friends I share my student house with were not allowed fizzy drinks when they were younger. The thought of not being able to have fizzy drinks but for a special occasion somewhat shocked me, I certainly didn't grown up like this. Did you?

In fact, a bottle of Coca Cola contains 46g of sugars per bottle. Therefore, according to US guidelines on Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) a bottle of Coca Cola exceeds your RDA based on a 2000Kcal per day intake. So, logically speaking, Diet Coca Cola seems to be a perfect replacement for the full sugared Coke which you are all so used to? Recent research by the American Stroke Association (2011) concludes that Diet Coke is linked to a 61% increase in the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
*This research has yet to be peer reviewed and subsequently has not yet been published in any journal. However, these figures do seem somewhat compelling so perhaps keep an eye on the publishing of new research regarding this and curb your drinking of Diet Coke if it is a daily occurrence*

In addition, an article in Hypertension (high blood pressure) - Journal of the American Heart Association in February (2011) says sugared drinks have been suggested to increase blood pressure. So what can you do to avoid this high blood pressure and potential Cardiovascular Diseases?

Supplement, supplement, supplement! Simply cut down on the amount of sugary and fizzy pop you drink. And yes, this does include Icy Lemon Fanta (albeit absolutely amazing in summer). Supplement your cut out fizzy pop for water or fresh fruit juice. A fruit juice such as Apple Juice or Pineapple Juice is a perfect supplement if you lust for that fruity fizzy pop called Fanta or Lilt! Cut the amount of Coca Cola you intake during a week down to 2 cans. This can't harm you can it? But it could potentially harm you if you carry on drinking so much..

Why not try out the Volvic Challenge of 1.5L of Water every day for 14 days and see how you feel, I am willing to bet you will feel a lot more hydrated and those headaches that can be an almost daily occurrence will all but go.