Understanding The Dangers Of Soft Drinks

 By Samuel Ohayagha U18MM2031

Soft Drinks which are also called carbonated or nonalcoholic beverages are sweetened and flavored liquids that do not contain a reasonable amount of alcohol. It is addictive due to its sugar content and releases a feel-good feeling to the brain of its consumer. It contains carbonated water, sweeteners, flavorings, acidulants, preservatives, colorings, and sometimes caffeine.

Nigerian Youths consume these beverages like it is the fuel that powers the engine of their soul as some of them are seen consuming these liquids daily. 



A study was carried out and it was found that an estimated 38.6 million liters of soft drinks are sold in Nigeria. The study indicated that 75 percent out of the 1,000 respondents consumed at least 35cl soft drinks daily. 

This high consumption of soft drinks is a result of a myriad of factors such as their taste and variety of flavor, their availability and affordability, their thirst-quenching feature, and their well-put-together advertorials tailored to the Nigerian youth to grab their attention.

The question here is, what are the dangers associated with this high consumption of soft drinks among Nigerian youths? Studies have shown that high consumption of these beverages can lead to; 

Weight gain and obesity: Excessive consumption of soft drinks leads to weight gain and risk of obesity because they contain calories and are high in added sugar. 

Type 2 Diabetes: Nigerian youths who consume this excessively are at risk of this chronic disease due to its high level of sugar content. 


Dental problems: Issues such as tooth cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases. 

Digestive issues: Bloating and digestive discomfort can occur as a result of the carbonation in these drinks. 

Mental Health: The mental health of Nigerian youths can be affected as studies have shown that excessive consumption of soft drinks can cause depression and anxiety. 

Other effects of excessive consumption of soft drinks include; Nutritional deficiencies, Caffeine and Sleep, Heart and Kidney diseases, Metabolic Syndrome, and Poor Bone health. 

The Nigerian Government had however in 2022, announced the imposition of N10 tax per liter on all non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages as part of its effort to stop the excessive consumption of soft drinks among Nigerians, specifically the youths. However, this has not reduced the intake of these beverages.

Here's a video explaining the level of sugar content in cokes and other soft drinks



Comments

  1. Racheal omagaSeptember 7, 2023 at 8:22 PM

    Which drink will you recommend we consume then?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ladejobi TaofeekSeptember 7, 2023 at 8:41 PM

    Wetin person go kon dey drink, only water

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2023 at 9:13 PM

    Am so addicted to coke what do i do 🥹

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ochege Jeremiah chidiogoSeptember 8, 2023 at 1:14 AM

    Educative

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Friends blogSeptember 8, 2023 at 11:29 AM

    I stopped taking soda over 7 months ago and it has been one of the best decision, I hope to end carbonated beverages soon, and I hope others reduce it's intake as well

    ReplyDelete

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