Environmental Effects Of Soda Essay

In the beginning soda started out in the pharmaceutical industry where it was meant to solve health problems. Dr. Pepper was the first brand introduced in 1885 as a brain tonic. As a brain tonic, it promoted alertness and relieved symptoms of fatigue. Not long after, Pepsi Cola and Coca Cola introduced their soda remedies. Originally was named “Brad’s Drink” after the creator but later changed to Pepsi Cola after the main ingredients pepsin and kola nuts. Pepsi was used to assist in digestive problems and to boost energy. The first 17 years that Coca Cola was around, the main ingredient was cocaine, because the coca plant leaves produced a mild euphoria, suppressed hunger and increased physical stamina. Much later, 7Up introduced their mood-stabilizing drink in 1929. The drug lithium citrate was removed from the drinks in 1950 when research showed there were harmful effects to humans (“The Origins of Soda”). There are several toxic ingredients in today’s chemistry, that are causing health concerns. Ingredients such as: Phosphoric Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Caffeine, Caramel
However, it has side effects such as hyperactivity, dizziness, light-headedness, and trouble sleeping. These cause damage to cells by depriving them of oxygen and influencing the metabolic disease, a precursor to diabetes. High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener that is cheaper than natural sugar. Using cheaper sugar increases a person’s risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. These increase the chance of having heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes. Adding caffeine to the mix enhances the sugar and sweeteners taste, with the amounts varying by soda brand. It has an addictive stimulant that causes insomnia, stimulates the nervous system and