1. Sugar sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugar and an important contributor of calories in the diets of children in the United States
Sugary drinks contribute at least 43% of the 300 additional daily calories consumed by Americans since the 1970s. In fact, one out of three added sugar calories comes from soft drinks alone.
2. Sugary beverages are one of the major contributors of obesity
In fact, 43% of the increased daily calories Americans consumed from 1977-2001 -- while the obesity epidemic was climbing most sharply -- came from soda and other sugary drinks.
3. On a typical day, 80% of youth drink sugar sweetened beverages
Many studies show that High consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, which have few, if any, nutrients, has been associated with obesity.
4. Drinking 200 "empty" calories of sugar is not the same thing as eating 200 calories of nutritious food
Sugary drinks have zero nutritional value and simply do not satisfy hunger like calories from solid food or milk. Additionally, we absorb liquid sugar in as little as 30 minutes, leading to a spike in blood sugar that the body is not well equipped to handle, particularly in repetition. These spikes in blood sugar can overwhelm the body and lead to the transformation of sugar into fat in the liver, which contributes directly to the development of type 2 diabetes.
5. One study revealed that the likelihood of becoming obese increased 1.6 times for each additional sugar-sweetened drink consumed every day
6. Consumption of soda and other sugary drinks has more than doubled in the past 30 years
The consumption of energy drinks and sports drinks, and flavored waters are on the rise. Such drinks often contain just as much sugar and calories as regular soft drinks
7. There is a strong and clear connection between sugary beverages and both obesity and type 2 diabetes
The studies that don't support the connection are usually funded by the beverage industry. Additionally, sugary drinks are also related to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dental caries, and poorer diet quality.
8. The average American drinks nearly 42 gallons of sweetened beverages a year, the equivalent of 39 pounds of extra sugar every year
A 20-ounce bottle of soda contains the equivalent of approximately 16 teaspoons of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends that Americans consume no more than five to nine teaspoons of sugar per day.
9. Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks increases fat deposits in the liver
Studies revealed that after six months, daily consumption of sugary drinks increases fat deposits in the liver by 150 percent, which directly contribute to both diabetes and heart disease.
10. No one needs a sports drink for anything less than marathon-level exertion, especially children
Experts say that sports drinks are unnecessary unless for intense physical activities of more than 3 hours. Even in these cases, water is still recommended as the best option of beverage.
11. Sports drinks contain excessive amounts of added sugar
The typical 32-ounce sports drink has 14 teaspoons of sugar, equivalent to 22 Starburst candies.
12. Water is the healthiest beverage of all, even during and after rigorous exercise
Drinking more water instead of sugary drinks will have many health benefits.
13. Water can relieve fatigue, headache and migraine
14. Water can help control calories, help energize muscles, and help maintain healthy skin
15. Water can also help maintain body fluid balance, keep kidneys healthy, and maintain normal digestive function
16. Kick the Can
http://www.kickthecan.info/
17. Fewer Sugary Drinks
http://www.fewersugarydrinks.org/
18. Better Beverage Finder
http://www.betterbeveragefinder.org/
19. Rethink Sugary Drinks
http://www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au/
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