In the realm of beverages, caffeine plays a pervasive role, especially within the domain of carbonated drinks. Found commonly in soft drinks, caffeine is often underestimated for its potential effects, particularly on children. Soft drinks, whether traditional colas or newer non-cola varieties, frequently incorporate caffeine as a key ingredient.
Notably, children derive a substantial portion of their caffeine intake from soft drinks. In America, these beverages stand out as the primary source of caffeine for many young individuals. Caffeine, categorized as a stimulant drug affecting the central nervous system, is a defining component of this ubiquitous beverage category.
Caffeine's contribution to total caffeine consumption cannot be ignored. Soft drinks significantly augment caffeine intake, raising concerns about potential health impacts. Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to a range of health issues such as insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and irregular heart rates. Moreover, caffeine is an addictive substance, prompting increased consumption over time.
An often-overlooked issue pertains to the relationship between caffeine and calcium excretion. High caffeine intake, facilitated by soft drinks, enhances calcium excretion in urine, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis, particularly among heavy caffeine consumers.
Furthermore, studies indicate a potential link between caffeine and birth defects. Evidence suggests that daily caffeine levels exceeding 500 mg may delay conception and pose risks during pregnancy.
Despite the prevalence of caffeine in soft drinks, consumers often lack awareness regarding the actual caffeine content. Most soft drinks contain approximately 30 mg to 50 mg of caffeine per ounce, significantly lower than coffee but still impactful over time.
In conclusion, the widespread presence of caffeine in soft drinks underscores the importance of informed consumption, particularly among children and adolescents. Awareness of caffeine's effects and its cumulative impact is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness amidst the allure of these popular beverages.
The Impact of Caffeine in Soft Drinks
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Impact of Soda and Caffeine on Children's Bone Health and Blood Pressure
Research suggests that consuming large amounts of soda and carbonated beverages is linked to slightly lower bone density in children, raising concerns. These drinks often contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption, an essential nutrient for bone growth in children. Insufficient calcium or reduced absorption can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Additionally, many sodas are high in sugar, contributing to obesity, another factor that negatively impacts bone health. Parents should promote healthier drink choices, like water or milk, to better support children's bone development.
Furthermore, a study revealed that caffeine can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, especially in people who don’t consume it regularly. The exact cause is unclear, but one theory is that caffeine constricts blood vessels by blocking adenosine, a hormone that helps them relax and widen. Additionally, caffeine triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline, both of which elevate blood pressure. Cortisol causes the body to retain sodium and water, while adrenaline prepares the body for stress by increasing blood flow to muscles.
For those sensitive to caffeine or with high blood pressure, understanding these effects is key. Moderating caffeine intake can help manage blood pressure spikes and reduce health risks. People who regularly drink caffeine may develop a tolerance, reducing these effects, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized guidance.
Impact of Soda and Caffeine on Children's Bone Health and Blood Pressure
Furthermore, a study revealed that caffeine can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, especially in people who don’t consume it regularly. The exact cause is unclear, but one theory is that caffeine constricts blood vessels by blocking adenosine, a hormone that helps them relax and widen. Additionally, caffeine triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline, both of which elevate blood pressure. Cortisol causes the body to retain sodium and water, while adrenaline prepares the body for stress by increasing blood flow to muscles.
For those sensitive to caffeine or with high blood pressure, understanding these effects is key. Moderating caffeine intake can help manage blood pressure spikes and reduce health risks. People who regularly drink caffeine may develop a tolerance, reducing these effects, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized guidance.
Impact of Soda and Caffeine on Children's Bone Health and Blood Pressure
Soft Drink Impact on Bones in Older Women
Soft drinks, ubiquitous in modern diets, have garnered attention for their potential impact on bone density, particularly in older women. While aging naturally leads to decreased bone mineral density, emerging evidence suggests that soft drink consumption may exacerbate this decline. This essay delves into the relationship between soft drinks and bone density, focusing on its effects on older women.
Soft drinks, especially colas, have been implicated in lower bone density, particularly in women. Studies have consistently shown a negative association between higher cola intake and hip bone density in women. Interestingly, this trend persists across various types of cola drinks, including normal, decaffeinated, and diet variants. In contrast, research on men has yielded contrasting findings, with limited evidence of a significant impact on bone density.
The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex. High acidity and the presence of phosphoric acid in soft drinks are hypothesized to play a role. The acidity may disrupt calcium balance in the body, leading to increased calcium excretion and reduced bone density over time. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
The implications of these findings are significant for osteoporosis management. Maintaining optimal bone density is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk. Soft drink consumption may exacerbate bone loss in older women, posing a potential risk factor for the development of osteoporosis.
In light of these findings, minimizing soft drink intake is recommended, especially for women concerned about osteoporosis. This aligns with existing recommendations to limit soft drink consumption due to its association with weight gain and other health concerns. By reducing soft drink consumption, individuals can potentially mitigate the risk of bone loss and support overall bone health.
In conclusion, the relationship between soft drinks and bone density, particularly in older women, warrants attention. While further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved, existing evidence suggests a potential link between soft drink consumption and decreased bone density. Minimizing soft drink intake may be prudent for individuals, particularly women, seeking to maintain optimal bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Soft Drink Impact on Bones in Older Women
Soft drinks, especially colas, have been implicated in lower bone density, particularly in women. Studies have consistently shown a negative association between higher cola intake and hip bone density in women. Interestingly, this trend persists across various types of cola drinks, including normal, decaffeinated, and diet variants. In contrast, research on men has yielded contrasting findings, with limited evidence of a significant impact on bone density.
The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex. High acidity and the presence of phosphoric acid in soft drinks are hypothesized to play a role. The acidity may disrupt calcium balance in the body, leading to increased calcium excretion and reduced bone density over time. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
The implications of these findings are significant for osteoporosis management. Maintaining optimal bone density is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk. Soft drink consumption may exacerbate bone loss in older women, posing a potential risk factor for the development of osteoporosis.
In light of these findings, minimizing soft drink intake is recommended, especially for women concerned about osteoporosis. This aligns with existing recommendations to limit soft drink consumption due to its association with weight gain and other health concerns. By reducing soft drink consumption, individuals can potentially mitigate the risk of bone loss and support overall bone health.
In conclusion, the relationship between soft drinks and bone density, particularly in older women, warrants attention. While further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved, existing evidence suggests a potential link between soft drink consumption and decreased bone density. Minimizing soft drink intake may be prudent for individuals, particularly women, seeking to maintain optimal bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Soft Drink Impact on Bones in Older Women
Diet drinks: For health-conscious people
In the recent past, diet drinks, a new class of beverage, under the
brand name diet refreshment, which was first introduced in 1952, is
rapidly becoming a prominent part of the partying subculture among all
age groups.
With the increased demand for soft drinks, diet sodas were formulated as an alternative product that had the intent on targeting a different audience.
Initially, diet sodas were designed for diabetics and health-conscious people; however, the popularity increased when the focus shifted to people who desired to lose weight with a reduced calorie drink.
These drinks have been popularized as health drinks among many population groups such as athletes, diabetics, those who want to lose weight, people wishing to improve physical fitness, and other health-conscious people.
Diet drinks contain zero-calorie sweeteners and zero grams of added sugar. They may contain minimal calories from other carbohydrates sources, but most of them have no calories.
Individuals consume diet soda and thoroughly believe it is healthy and safe. However, the chemical sweeteners, like aspartame, it contains can lead to complications down the road. Complications range from weight gain to diabetes, and more.
Recent studies have shown that diet soda/drinks and artificial sweeteners contained in diet soda/drinks may adversely affect glucose levels, and may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes, in part, through impairment of glucose and increase in waist circumference (Nature 514: 181–186, 2014, Circulation117: 754–761, 2008, Diabetes Care32: 688–694, 2009).
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, found one daily diet soda puts a person at three times the risk of dementia and stroke compared to someone who drinks less than one a week or none at all. Purdue University found in 2013 diet soda doesn't actually help with weight loss and as a result can lead to stroke due to obesity.
The 2009–2010NHANES survey suggested that∼20% of the US population consumed diet soda/drinks on a given day, and recent data suggest that the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners is increasing. From 2007 to 2008 the percentage of adults consuming diet beverages increased from 19% to 24%.
With the increased demand for soft drinks, diet sodas were formulated as an alternative product that had the intent on targeting a different audience.
Initially, diet sodas were designed for diabetics and health-conscious people; however, the popularity increased when the focus shifted to people who desired to lose weight with a reduced calorie drink.
These drinks have been popularized as health drinks among many population groups such as athletes, diabetics, those who want to lose weight, people wishing to improve physical fitness, and other health-conscious people.
Diet drinks contain zero-calorie sweeteners and zero grams of added sugar. They may contain minimal calories from other carbohydrates sources, but most of them have no calories.
Individuals consume diet soda and thoroughly believe it is healthy and safe. However, the chemical sweeteners, like aspartame, it contains can lead to complications down the road. Complications range from weight gain to diabetes, and more.
Recent studies have shown that diet soda/drinks and artificial sweeteners contained in diet soda/drinks may adversely affect glucose levels, and may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes, in part, through impairment of glucose and increase in waist circumference (Nature 514: 181–186, 2014, Circulation117: 754–761, 2008, Diabetes Care32: 688–694, 2009).
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, found one daily diet soda puts a person at three times the risk of dementia and stroke compared to someone who drinks less than one a week or none at all. Purdue University found in 2013 diet soda doesn't actually help with weight loss and as a result can lead to stroke due to obesity.
The 2009–2010NHANES survey suggested that∼20% of the US population consumed diet soda/drinks on a given day, and recent data suggest that the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners is increasing. From 2007 to 2008 the percentage of adults consuming diet beverages increased from 19% to 24%.
Diet drinks: For health-conscious people
Kola nut extract
In the 1890s in New Bern, North Carolina, a pharmacist named Caleb D. Bradham experimented with extracts of coca leaves, kola nuts, and sugar.
The seed of the Cola acuminata tree also was once one of the two active ingredients in the original Coca-Cola soft drink. The kola nut is not really a nut, but the edible seed of several species of evergreen trees.
These trees are native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, the nut is ether pink or yellow and is roughly the size of an unshelled walnut or a golf ball. The tree is constituent of the lowland forest requiring a hot, humid climate and capable of withstanding 3 months of dry season.
The kola nut’s active substances are caffeine, kolanin and theobromine. Kola nut is a stimulant in the digestive tract and for the combustion of body lipids and a mild aphrodisiac.
Kola nut extract
The seed of the Cola acuminata tree also was once one of the two active ingredients in the original Coca-Cola soft drink. The kola nut is not really a nut, but the edible seed of several species of evergreen trees.
These trees are native to the tropical rainforests of Africa, the nut is ether pink or yellow and is roughly the size of an unshelled walnut or a golf ball. The tree is constituent of the lowland forest requiring a hot, humid climate and capable of withstanding 3 months of dry season.
The kola nut’s active substances are caffeine, kolanin and theobromine. Kola nut is a stimulant in the digestive tract and for the combustion of body lipids and a mild aphrodisiac.
Kola nut extract
Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and risks obesity
Obesity risk has been negatively related to consumption of fruit, vegetables and carbohydrates, while a positively relationship has been observed with dietary fat, added sugar and carbonated soft drinks.
In 2007, Varitanian, Schwartz and Brownell explored the linkage between carbonated soft drinks consumption and the effects on health. There were clear indications of carbonated soft drinks consumption associated with increased energy intake and body weight.
It was indicated by simply decreasing the consumption of these beverages and consuming low-calories beverages as an alternative could prevent and treat obesity.
Several studies from the UK and elsewhere relate carbonated soft drinks consumption with obesity and reduced carbonated soft drinks consumption with improved weight status. Most commercial soft drinks contain large amount of sugar and thus energy.
Each 12-ounce serving of carbonated soft drink provides about 150 kcal, all from sugars, and contains no other nutrients of significance.
What led to an increase in soft drink consumption? Certainly the spending for advertising soft drinks has been on the rise. Another possible source of the increase in soft drink consumption is the increase in food consumed away from home.
According to the National Soft Drink Association, soft drink consumption accounts for approximately 7 percent of the energy in human diet, with average American drinking soda at an annual rate of about 56 gallons per person; that is nearly six hundred 12-0unce cans of soda per person per year. The highest consumption is in the males between the ages of 12 - 29; they average 1/2 gallon a day or 160 gallons a year.
Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and risks obesity
In 2007, Varitanian, Schwartz and Brownell explored the linkage between carbonated soft drinks consumption and the effects on health. There were clear indications of carbonated soft drinks consumption associated with increased energy intake and body weight.
It was indicated by simply decreasing the consumption of these beverages and consuming low-calories beverages as an alternative could prevent and treat obesity.
Several studies from the UK and elsewhere relate carbonated soft drinks consumption with obesity and reduced carbonated soft drinks consumption with improved weight status. Most commercial soft drinks contain large amount of sugar and thus energy.
Each 12-ounce serving of carbonated soft drink provides about 150 kcal, all from sugars, and contains no other nutrients of significance.
What led to an increase in soft drink consumption? Certainly the spending for advertising soft drinks has been on the rise. Another possible source of the increase in soft drink consumption is the increase in food consumed away from home.
According to the National Soft Drink Association, soft drink consumption accounts for approximately 7 percent of the energy in human diet, with average American drinking soda at an annual rate of about 56 gallons per person; that is nearly six hundred 12-0unce cans of soda per person per year. The highest consumption is in the males between the ages of 12 - 29; they average 1/2 gallon a day or 160 gallons a year.
Consumption of carbonated soft drinks and risks obesity
Beverage of lemonade
It is average almost as widely consumed as soda water throughout all parts of the United States.
Lemonade in its simplest form is a drink made from lemon juice, sugar and water. The water which is employed may be either plain, potable water or sometimes water impregnated with carbon dioxide.
The lemon juice which is used in lemonade contains not only the acid citrate of potash as its acidifying agent, but also the aromatic flavors, consisting of oil, ethers, etc., characteristic of the lemon itself.
Lemons offer a wide range of health benefits. They have antibacterial, antiviral and immunity-boosting abilities. Lemonades antibacterial properties help fight infection in the throat and get rid of chest congestion. Its high levels of potassium can help provide relief from dizziness, nausea, and fever.
Its vitamin C content not only fights cancer but also boosts immunity by increasing the body’s white blood cell count, antibodies and interferon.
Lemonade is appreciated primarily as a pleasurable and refreshing beverage, but it has also long been valued for its healthful qualities.
Beverage of lemonade
Lemonade in its simplest form is a drink made from lemon juice, sugar and water. The water which is employed may be either plain, potable water or sometimes water impregnated with carbon dioxide.
The lemon juice which is used in lemonade contains not only the acid citrate of potash as its acidifying agent, but also the aromatic flavors, consisting of oil, ethers, etc., characteristic of the lemon itself.
Lemons offer a wide range of health benefits. They have antibacterial, antiviral and immunity-boosting abilities. Lemonades antibacterial properties help fight infection in the throat and get rid of chest congestion. Its high levels of potassium can help provide relief from dizziness, nausea, and fever.
Its vitamin C content not only fights cancer but also boosts immunity by increasing the body’s white blood cell count, antibodies and interferon.
Lemonade is appreciated primarily as a pleasurable and refreshing beverage, but it has also long been valued for its healthful qualities.
Beverage of lemonade
Benzene in soft drink
When benzoic acid and ascorbic acid are used in the same product, manufacturers must be aware of a possible interaction which can result in the formation of benzene.
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound used extensively in the chemical industry as an intermediate in the manufacture of polymers and other products.
It is a byproduct and also a common atmospheric contaminant. It can cause leukemia at high levels of consumption. It occurs naturally in some foods like meat, eggs and bananas.
Benzene was discovered by USA soft drink industry in 1990 that benzene could be produced at low levels in certain soft drinks. Benzene can form in beverages containing benzoate salts and either vitamin C or erythorbic acid, a relate substance, if certain minerals are present.
The FDA worked with manufacturers at that time to reformulate their beverages so that the drinks would not pose a safety risk.
According to the researchers, benzene is formed when the ascorbic acid in the beverage reacts with the food additives used for the soda. However, the resulting benzene is very low and at negligible amounts.
Ascorbic acid is readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen. This reaction is catalyzed by iron and copper ions and produces hydroxyl radicals, which can react with benzoic acid, converting it to benzene.
Benzene in soft drink
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound used extensively in the chemical industry as an intermediate in the manufacture of polymers and other products.
It is a byproduct and also a common atmospheric contaminant. It can cause leukemia at high levels of consumption. It occurs naturally in some foods like meat, eggs and bananas.
Benzene was discovered by USA soft drink industry in 1990 that benzene could be produced at low levels in certain soft drinks. Benzene can form in beverages containing benzoate salts and either vitamin C or erythorbic acid, a relate substance, if certain minerals are present.
The FDA worked with manufacturers at that time to reformulate their beverages so that the drinks would not pose a safety risk.
According to the researchers, benzene is formed when the ascorbic acid in the beverage reacts with the food additives used for the soda. However, the resulting benzene is very low and at negligible amounts.
Ascorbic acid is readily oxidized by dissolved oxygen. This reaction is catalyzed by iron and copper ions and produces hydroxyl radicals, which can react with benzoic acid, converting it to benzene.
Benzene in soft drink
Aspartame in Soft Drinks and Health Issues
Aspartame is approximately 160 to 220 times sweeter than sucrose and has acceptable flavor with no bitter aftertaste.
Scientists have found that aspartame is generally safe for most people to consume. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been intensively studied for its safety to ensure the safety of the food and drinks sold in the United States, approved aspartame in 1981 after extensive studies found that it was safe for use as a sweetener.
Since introduction in 1981, aspartame has become by far the most popular sweeter in virtually all canned and bottled diet soft drinks in the United State.
When aspartame was first developed, many people had concerns about whether it was safe. After all, it didn't have the track record of other natural ingredients that had been safely consumed for hundreds of years.
Rumors have spread for at least a decade, that aspartame is responsible for epidemic health problems.
Almost everyone has a sweet tooth, and kids are certainly no exception. Because excess sugar consumption has been linked to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems, many people reach for foods, drinks, and candy that contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which offer lots of flavor with fewer calories.
In 1996 the Food and Drug Administration published a list of 92 adverse aspartame reactions that included seizures, blindness, obesity, testicular, mammary and brain tumors; sex dysfunction and death acquired from consumers complaints.
The most common complaints about aspartame is that it causes severe headaches among sensitive individual.
Aspartame is one of the most popular man-made sweeteners on the market. It is used in beverages, chewing gum, breakfast cereals, and desserts. It is also available in packets of tabletop sweetener, like the kind typically offered by restaurants.
Although some people have alleged that aspartame is linked to birth defects and illnesses ranging from multiple sclerosis to Parkinson's disease, government authorities and medical groups throughout the world have evaluated aspartame and approved it as safe for human consumption.
Recent reviews of studies confirm that aspartame consumption is safe over the long term and is not associated with serous health effects.
Aspartame in Soft Drinks and Health Issues
Soft drinks and health of children
Half of the American children, aged 6 to 11, drink approximately 15 ounces of soda per day. Among adolescent boys who drink soda, the average daily intake is approximately 28.5 ounces, and among girls, the average soda drinks consumes around 21 ounces per day.
For Children, increases in soft drink consumption can have serious health implications.
The consumption of soft drinks is associated with obesity in children. It's important because the numbers of fat children are increasing significantly each year.
When they controlled for television viewing (a well-known factor in childhood obesity), physical activity and other dietary factors, soft drinks by themselves added extra risk for obesity.
The prevalence of overweight and its attendant health problems is clearly on the rise among American children.
Currently, 22 percent of children age 2 to 5 years and 15 percent of children aged 6 or older are overweight.
These values are more than double the rates of overweight in the early 1970s.
For every additional glass of sugar-sweetened drink per day, the risk of obesity rose by 60 per cent.
Changing the children over to diet drinks reduced the chances of obesity by over a half.
With the booming epidemic in adult diabetes, tied back to childhood obesity, we need to do what we can to keep our kids' weight down without scaring them into anorexia.
Children obesity to which soft drinks are known to contribute, has been shown to lead to adult obesity, which it self is associated with many health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Most experts say the best techniques are to increase exercise, reduce television viewing and probably reduce time at computers - and now perhaps replacing sugar-loaded drinks with diet products.
Soft drinks and health of children
For Children, increases in soft drink consumption can have serious health implications.
The consumption of soft drinks is associated with obesity in children. It's important because the numbers of fat children are increasing significantly each year.
When they controlled for television viewing (a well-known factor in childhood obesity), physical activity and other dietary factors, soft drinks by themselves added extra risk for obesity.
The prevalence of overweight and its attendant health problems is clearly on the rise among American children.
Currently, 22 percent of children age 2 to 5 years and 15 percent of children aged 6 or older are overweight.
These values are more than double the rates of overweight in the early 1970s.
For every additional glass of sugar-sweetened drink per day, the risk of obesity rose by 60 per cent.
Changing the children over to diet drinks reduced the chances of obesity by over a half.
With the booming epidemic in adult diabetes, tied back to childhood obesity, we need to do what we can to keep our kids' weight down without scaring them into anorexia.
Children obesity to which soft drinks are known to contribute, has been shown to lead to adult obesity, which it self is associated with many health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Most experts say the best techniques are to increase exercise, reduce television viewing and probably reduce time at computers - and now perhaps replacing sugar-loaded drinks with diet products.
Soft drinks and health of children
Wellness and Functionality of Softdrinks
Wellness and Functionality of Softdrinks
Health issues are already influencing the dynamics of the softdrinks industry, and this influence is likely to become pronounced as time progresses. Bottled water, fruit-based still drinks and fruit juice/nectars have gained volume on the back of an increased understanding of good health. As consumers, they wish to live healthy and die healthy. At the core of this is the concept of wellness – an increasing awareness of physical well-being and good health. Wellness drinks are those beverage that aid health and well being. Consequently, a broad range of products can be said to fit the wellness mould: from bottle water to juice and tea based drinks as well as those with added ingredients to provide an additional functional benefits.
To feel good and healthy has high importance for most consumers. Although broader in scope than functional beverages, wellness drinks span naturally functional and the scientifically enhanced. Functional softdrinks are defined as drinks providing a health benefit beyond their basic nutritional value, by virtue of their physiologically active added components. Drinks providing a health benefits based on their inherent ingredients, such as mineral water, cranberry juice and green tea, can be said to be naturally functional, unless they are fortified with vitamins or other functional ingredients. A distinction can therefore be made between products and functional; by nature (water and orange juice) and those made functional by producers. For functional softdrinks, the term ‘health benefits’ is used in its widest possible application and includes benefits such as improved sports performance, increased mental alertness and better skin. Functional softdrinks can be broken down into four main sectors: enriched beverage (such as juices and waters with added vitamins and minerals); sports drinks; energy drinks; and finally nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals embrace a multitude of specific claims ranging form digestive benefits and detoxification through aphrodisiac, nicotine craving relief, cholesterol lowering and anti-ageing declarations.
Wellness and Functionality of Softdrinks
Health issues are already influencing the dynamics of the softdrinks industry, and this influence is likely to become pronounced as time progresses. Bottled water, fruit-based still drinks and fruit juice/nectars have gained volume on the back of an increased understanding of good health. As consumers, they wish to live healthy and die healthy. At the core of this is the concept of wellness – an increasing awareness of physical well-being and good health. Wellness drinks are those beverage that aid health and well being. Consequently, a broad range of products can be said to fit the wellness mould: from bottle water to juice and tea based drinks as well as those with added ingredients to provide an additional functional benefits.
To feel good and healthy has high importance for most consumers. Although broader in scope than functional beverages, wellness drinks span naturally functional and the scientifically enhanced. Functional softdrinks are defined as drinks providing a health benefit beyond their basic nutritional value, by virtue of their physiologically active added components. Drinks providing a health benefits based on their inherent ingredients, such as mineral water, cranberry juice and green tea, can be said to be naturally functional, unless they are fortified with vitamins or other functional ingredients. A distinction can therefore be made between products and functional; by nature (water and orange juice) and those made functional by producers. For functional softdrinks, the term ‘health benefits’ is used in its widest possible application and includes benefits such as improved sports performance, increased mental alertness and better skin. Functional softdrinks can be broken down into four main sectors: enriched beverage (such as juices and waters with added vitamins and minerals); sports drinks; energy drinks; and finally nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals embrace a multitude of specific claims ranging form digestive benefits and detoxification through aphrodisiac, nicotine craving relief, cholesterol lowering and anti-ageing declarations.
Wellness and Functionality of Softdrinks
Cola and Health
Cola and Health
Cola is a caffeine-containing seed, or nut, from a tropical tree, the cola tree. In some African countries, cola nuts are so valuables that they are used as money. The nuts have a bitter, aromatic taste, and people chew them for their stimulating effect. Bottled cola drinks have very little cola nuts in them and do no taste like cola nuts at all. Though they do contain caffeine, it is usually synthetic caffeine or caffeine extracted from coffee or tea. These soft drinks are also drugs, and people can become dependent on them, as with coffee. Also, they contain a lot of sugar.
The combination of sugar and caffeine seems to be especially habit-forming. Many people drink enormous amounts of cola, and thought they may think that they are merely quenching their thirsty, they are also consuming calories and enough sugar to damage their teeth, not to mention large does of caffeine. Like other stimulants, cola drinks are not unhealthy if used in moderation; people who like them should just be aware of their nature and their potential for abuse. Parents especially should remember that so-called softdrinks are actually drugs that can affect the health and mood of their children.
Cola and Health
Cola is a caffeine-containing seed, or nut, from a tropical tree, the cola tree. In some African countries, cola nuts are so valuables that they are used as money. The nuts have a bitter, aromatic taste, and people chew them for their stimulating effect. Bottled cola drinks have very little cola nuts in them and do no taste like cola nuts at all. Though they do contain caffeine, it is usually synthetic caffeine or caffeine extracted from coffee or tea. These soft drinks are also drugs, and people can become dependent on them, as with coffee. Also, they contain a lot of sugar.
The combination of sugar and caffeine seems to be especially habit-forming. Many people drink enormous amounts of cola, and thought they may think that they are merely quenching their thirsty, they are also consuming calories and enough sugar to damage their teeth, not to mention large does of caffeine. Like other stimulants, cola drinks are not unhealthy if used in moderation; people who like them should just be aware of their nature and their potential for abuse. Parents especially should remember that so-called softdrinks are actually drugs that can affect the health and mood of their children.
Cola and Health
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