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Soft Drink Calories Hard to Stomach
WLR dietitian Juliette Kellow reveals a link between soft
drinks and obesity.
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Don't Drink Those Calories
By WLR Dietitian
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A new study published in the International Journal of
Obesity has confirmed what health experts have known for
years: that intakes of soft drinks are linked with excess
weight gain. The Australian study recruited 268 children
and monitored their Body Mass Index and eating habits for
24 hours.
Five years later, the children had their Body
Mass Index measured again. Those children who were
overweight or obese at the end of the study consumed, on
average, an extra 10g of carbohydrate a day from soft
drinks compared to those who were a normal weight.
WLR says:
Many studies have shown that sugary soft
drinks are linked with obesity in children and teenagers –
and this research adds fuel to the fire. Squashes,
cordials and fizzy drinks are usually packed with calories
and sugars, but little else. A can of cola, for example,
contains around 140 calories, 7 teaspoons of sugar but no
nutrients. Swapping a daily can for a glass of water will
save 51,100 calories in a year – or enough to lose 14lb!
Follow this guide for the best drinks for children (and
adults)…
- Water – health experts agree it’s the best
drink for children. Water is free from calories, fat,
sugar, salt and additives and it doesn’t damage teeth.
Calories per 200ml glass: 0
- Milk – after water, milk is a good drink for children
and teenagers. It contains protein, vitamins and minerals
and is an especially good source of calcium, needed for
strong, healthy bones and teeth. Milk contains a naturally
occurring sugar called lactose, but this doesn’t damage
teeth when consumed in milk.
Calories per 200ml
semi-skimmed milk: 92
- Fruit juice – it provides several vitamins including
vitamin C but the naturally occurring sugars and acids can
damage teeth. Fruit juices only count as one of the five
recommended daily servings of fruit and veg – no matter
how much is consumed. This is because they contain less
fibre than fresh fruit and are potentially more harmful to
teeth.
Calories per 200ml orange juice: 72
- Squashes – they can contain large amounts of sugars.
Even ‘reduced-sugar’ squashes may have sugar added, so
always check the label.
Calories per 200ml orange squash:
38
- Fruit and juice drinks – they may look like the real
thing but are often just a mixture of water, sugar,
flavourings, colourings and added vitamins. Always check
the ingredients first.
Calories per 200ml ready-to-drink
juice drink: 74
- Milk shakes – they usually contain protein, calcium
and some B vitamins, but can also be loaded with sugar,
flavourings and other additives. Check the ingredients
list and avoid those containing added sugar.
Calories per
200ml ready-made milkshake: 176
- Fizzy drinks and sports drinks – lots of sugar and
little else. Many are also acidic, which can harm teeth.
Even ‘diet’ fizzy drinks can be acidic and so if drunk
frequently, can damage the tooth enamel.
Calories per
200ml cola: 85
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