Soda Spikes Blood Sugar Levels
We know, we know—you're likely not drinking soda because you think it's particularly good for you. However, it's important to note just how bad the sugar content in most of the drinks from a soda machine can be for your overall health. "From the nutrition standpoint, most sodas contain excess corn syrup that will only be converted directly to fat in your body while also spiking your blood sugar levels," Tamayo warns. And all that sugar can lead to serious health consequences down the line. "Excess sugar will lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more," she says. Yikes!
If you think the solution is simply to order a diet soda, that may not be true. As it turns out, Tamayo says "even the diet sodas in the soda fountain might not be entirely free from sugar. In some cases, those in charge of recharging or changing the sodas will not use the diet version." This is just one reasons ordering soda from a fountain could be even worse than buying your own bottle or can. The cleanliness is another factor to consider, which we'll get into below.
Soda Machines Can Be Unsanitary
Germaphobes should listen up for this one. If the health risks that come from soda itself don't concern you, you may be interested to learn that, according to Tamayo, "studies have shown that soda machines are not regularly cleaned and those handling the soda do not wash their hands regularly either." Say it ain't so! When those employees handle the soda fountain with their unwashed hands, she explains that "this results in the transmission of fecal matter and bacteria to the soda containers and the soda itself." Okay, we're getting a little queasy.
Not only is this unsettling to think about, but it can also lead to serious health risks. "Because it occurs so much, E.coli bacteria infections have become common and have led to further infections that might be resistant to common antibiotics," Tamayo tells us. "Other complications of soda machines include the growth of opportunistic molds that also result in chronic illnesses and infections."
This risk of infection combined with the health complications that come from excessive sugar intake makes fountain soda from a restaurant one of the worst beverages from your overall health.
What to drink instead
If we've convinced you to skip the soda next time you're out to eat, you may be wondering what you should drink instead. Dr. Suzanne Manzi, MD, told us that, unsurprisingly, water is the best way to go for your health. "Water is the quintessential health drink," she said. "It's calorie-free, hydrates the body, aids digestion, and can even help control hunger."
If that sounds boring to you, don't worry—there are ways to spice water up and make it a little tastier. "For those who find plain water too bland, infusing it with fresh fruits, cucumber, or herbs can add flavor without significant calories," she says.
There are plenty of other low-sugar beverages where that comes from, though.
Of course, if you're really craving a Diet Coke, there's not anything wrong with treating yourself every now and then. But it's important to be aware of the risks at hand, and to make healthier choices whenever possible. Your body will thank you in the long run!
READ MORE: 6 Menu Items You Should Never Order At McDonalds—#3 Is Over 700 Calories!