The Dangers of Soda

Studies show that the average American drinks an estimated 56 gallons of soft drinks each year. More than 15 billion gallons were sold in 2000. Soda accounts for more than one-quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States. In the past 10 years, soft drink consumption among children has almost doubled in the United States. Studies have linked soda to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay and heart disease. One can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, artificial coloring and phosphoric acid.

What if It's All Been a Big Fat Lie?

July 7, 2002, Sunday | MAGAZINE DESK | Gary Taubes (NYT) 7856 words

If the members of the American medical establishment were to have a collective find-yourself-standing-naked-in-Times-Square-type nightmare, this might be it. They spend 30 years ridiculing Robert Atkins, author of the phenomenally-best-selling ''Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution'' and ''Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution,'' accusing the Manhattan doctor of quackery and fraud, only to discover that the unrepentant Atkins was right all along. Or maybe it's this: they find that their very own dietary recommendations -- eat less fat and more carbohydrates -- is the cause of the rampaging epidemic of obesity in America. Or, just possibly this: they find out both of the above are true.