Key Update

A recent video by U.S.-based cardiologist Dr Pradip Jamnadas has sparked fresh discussion about beverages that often accompany meals without much thought: sugary drinks. Labelling it a “chemical cocktail” rather than a source of hydration, Dr Jamnadas urged viewers to rethink what they place alongside their plates. His warning aligns with growing global evidence linking sugary drinks to long-term health risks.

Dr Jamnadas’s Take on Soda

The Orlando-based interventional cardiologist, known for his focus on preventative health, posted the video on Instagram with a stark message: soft drinks have no place on the dinner table. In the caption, he described them as packed with sugar, additives, and artificial colourings—better suited for a chemistry lab than a healthy diet. In the clip, Dr Jamnadas pointed to a bottle of soda and explained that it contributes nothing to a nutritious diet. He recommended hydrating with simple options, such as filtered water, mineral water, or sparkling water, instead.

Scientific Evidence Supports the Warning

Research increasingly supports his caution. A study published in Nature Food by Katerina Stylianou and Olivier Jolliet found that consuming just one serving of cola could reduce a person’s healthy lifespan by roughly 12 minutes. The study analysed over 5,800 common foods and linked high sugar intake to notable metabolic and behavioural impacts. The research also highlights that small dietary changes can yield measurable benefits. For example, replacing just 10% of daily calories from processed meats with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, or legumes could add up to 48 minutes of healthy life per day.

Soda’s Long-Term Impact on Health

Even occasional soda consumption may seem harmless, but repeated intake can quietly harm health over time. High sugar content spikes insulin levels, additives increase metabolic strain, and artificial colourings provide no nutritional benefit. Dr Jamnadas emphasises that a highly engineered, sugar-laden drink has little reason to become a daily habit.

He recommends choosing beverages that support the body rather than work against it. Replacing soda with water, mineral water, or other natural drinks may seem small, but it contributes to better heart health and improved metabolic function over time.

Expert Advice on Meal Pairings

Health specialists also caution against pairing sugary soft drinks with heavy meals. Gastroenterologist Dr Pal Manickam notes that high sugar loads can disrupt gut balance, cause bloating, and worsen acid reflux. He advises unsweetened sparkling water, which provides fizz and satiety without added calories or artificial sweeteners. Emerging studies also link carbonated water to better swallowing and improved fullness regulation, making it a healthier alternative to soda.

Source: The Economic Times