Bacon cheeseburgers and fries are linked to weight gain, increased cholesterol and higher blood pressure. But what if other research results made these foods look safe?
One way or another, much of the American diet is proving to be unhealthy and even harmful. Conscientious meal planning is increasingly needed and desired. First, many foods are high in fat and sugar. The fact that these foods monopolize the fast food options needed in a fast-paced society further exacerbates this problem. Second, modern food processing methods are robbing once-healthy foods of essential nutrients. Third, with pesticide residues and artificial flavors and colors, chemicals have turned out to be just another ingredient in the recipe. Unfortunately, the danger does not end here. Another, even more alarming, food content insidiously permeates foods every day. As a large percentage of America remains uninformed, food itself has stolen control over people's own bodies. Poison can actually be included in the diet too….
Soft drinks, with their lively bubbles, sparkling texture, dancing foam and energy boosts, act as a common household item for most of society. Dinner, lunch, even breakfast, America welcomes soda, fruit juice and flavored water into its glasses. However, these pleasant drinks do not come cheap. Weight gain from frequent consumption of high-calorie beverages is proving to be all too common, and these beverages are a major contributor to the country's ever-increasing obesity rate. But scientists have discovered something even more disturbing. Along with high sugar, artificial flavors and calcium-reducing fizz, some soft drinks even contain the highly toxic substance benzene – sometimes at alarming levels. Could a bottle of good old soda be nothing more than a fizzing industrial plant?
How did benzene get into a mere soda can?
Automobiles release benzene through their fumes. Above gas stations, benzene lingers invisibly in a thick, stubborn haze. Factories release benzene in the production of some plastics, chemicals, dyes and detergents. A pollutant and toxin, it's no wonder benzene causes cancer. The air in such work facilities is said to have infected employees. With such properties, benzene is certainly not a substance one would expect to find in the grocery aisle. So, how did it get there?
Many soft drinks contain benzoate salts and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Both of these substances are naturally part of fruit-based drinks. A high percentage of other sodas use them as preservatives or as nutritional supplements. However, when benzoate salts and vitamin C come into contact with high levels of light and/or heat, there is a good chance that a chemical reaction will occur. The product of this process is benzene.
Is it possible to prevent benzene contamination?
There is no way to ensure that soft drinks remain benzene-free. But what if someone only drinks the ones they buy? What if people only store drinks in cool and shady places? It does not matter. No one can be sure of the conditions in every warehouse or every shipment transported. Once formed, benzene remains permanently. Even the most perfect treatment and care cannot erase the existing damage.
Although the presence of any amount of benzene is of concern, the FDA has determined that levels must not exceed 5 ppb to pose a threat. Yet thousands of bottles and cans are never untested. No one can be sure of the history of their individual drink before purchase. Scientists cannot be sure how benzene levels will affect any particular person. What if some people are more sensitive than others? Will tomorrow's research find that lower levels of benzene are actually harmful? In the circumstances, facts can easily change and "assurances" leave questions unanswered
You must be logged in to post a comment.