Soft Drinks Speed Up Aging, Study Reveals

Millions of people around the world drink soft drinks instead of water or, if not, at the very least on a regular basis, despite repeated warnings from health specialists about the dangers inherent in such habits. Aside from being damaging for our figure and our bones, it turns out that fizzy drinks are also bad for our skin, for they contain phosphate, which speeds up the aging process, a recent study cited by the Daily Mail reveals.

Conducted so far on rats, the study reveals that drinking fizzy beverages on a regular basis can actually accentuate the aging process by making the skin and muscles wither. This happens because they include phosphate among the ingredients, which is also believed to cause heart and kidney problems. Even worse, researchers led by Dr. M. Shawkat Razzaque of the Harvard University point out, is that phosphate is not found in soda only, being also added to processed meat, bread and cakes.

“Research shows that phosphate, which gives many soft drinks their tangy taste, can accelerate ageing. The mineral, which is also added to processed meats, cakes and breads, was found to make the skin and muscles wither and could also damage the heart and kidneys. Although the experiments were carried out in mice, the researchers – from the respected Harvard University – believe the results show the potential consequences of high doses of the mineral,” the Daily Mail says of the findings of the study.

“Soda is the caffeine delivery vehicle of choice for millions of people worldwide, but comes with phosphorous as a passenger. This research suggests that our phosphorous balance influences the ageing process, so don’t tip it,” Gerald Weissmann of research journal FASEB, where the study is published, explains. Researchers agree, saying, “Humans need a healthy diet and keeping the balance of phosphate in the diet may be important for a healthy life and longevity. Avoid phosphate toxicity and enjoy a healthy life.”

Health experts have another bone to pick with fizzy drinks, as we also reported on several occasions, because of how it encourages obesity, especially in children. A soda tax, which would see an increase in the price of these beverages that should force people to buy less of them, would help individuals drop an estimated five pounds a year, recent studies have shown. As of now, the law is still to be passed.