 |
| Illustration of Drinking Soda Drinks (Photo: Laili Humas) |
Sipping on soda drinks is indeed refreshing, especially when served cold. Surprisingly, however, the refreshment offered by soda drinks poses various harmful effects on the body. Afifa Husna, S.TP., M.T.P., M.Sc, a lecturer in Food Technology at the Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), explains that the refreshment in soda drinks comes from the content of carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas creates bubbles that provide a refreshing sensation when consumed.
"However, this refreshment should not replace the consumption of plain water, which remains the best choice for maintaining body hydration," she said.
Read more : A UMM Lecturer: Be Careful, Unharmonized Families Tend to Create Bully Personalities
In addition to CO2 gas, soda drinks contain very high amounts of sugar. In fact, the quantity of sugar in soda drinks often exceeds the daily limit recommended by health experts. "The high sugar content provides sweetness and enjoyment in the drink. However, there are serious health risks," she emphasized.
The high sugar content can force the pancreas to produce more insulin to remove glucose from the bloodstream. This increases the risk of insulin resistance, which is a significant trigger for diabetes. At the same time, soda drinks can also reduce bone density.
"The high sugar content can reduce bone density, making them more susceptible to fragility. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis," explained the lecturer, affectionately known as Ifa.
Read more : UMM Expert Says Social Media Break Is an Effective Step to Overcome Mental Disorderses
Moreover, the high blood sugar levels can cause it to thicken. This leads to blockages in blood vessels in the brain, potentially triggering a stroke. Meanwhile, blockages in blood vessels in the heart pose a risk of heart attacks.
"The sugar content in soda drinks can also cause damage to vision and the nervous system and cause various other health problems. Many serious health issues can arise from soda drinks," she added.
Therefore, while enjoying the refreshment of soda drinks, the public must be aware of their potential health risks. Excessive consumption of soda drinks can have serious consequences for the body. Thus, there must be specific limitations and a comprehensive understanding of soda drinks.
"Hence, it's important to consider healthier drink options to maintain overall health. Perhaps the soda drinks commonly consumed can be replaced with cold water, which is equally refreshing," she concluded. (*lai/wil/fajr)
.jpeg)
