Benzene In Soft Drinks

The FDA has acknowledged that benzene, a carcinogen, has been found in U.S. soft drinks at four times the limit considered safe for drinking water.

This contradicts earlier FDA statements that the levels of benzene were insignificant. Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group have accused the FDA of concealing information about benzene in soft drinks.  Benzene has been linked to leukemia. It can form in soft drinks made with vitamin C and sodium or potassium benzoate.

Beverage Daily.Com  April 19, 2006

Many do not realize that today sodas are the leading source of calories in America. This is a tragic commentary on American dietary habits. Additionally, diet drinks do NOT cause weight loss, but invariably will actually DOUBLE your risks of obesity. This new report is not surprising as extremely high levels of benzene were found in soft drinks distributed in France and the UK. This shouldn't be a big surprise to the soft drink industry, considering how long they've known about the chemical reaction that produces benzene.

But despite that, manufacturers have been putting vitamin C (ascorbic acid) back into their products lately, hoping parents will be fooled into buying vitamin‑C‑enhanced "health drinks" that give the appearance of being far healthier than they actually are.

But benzene is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to soft drinks. One of the simplest changes you can make to optimize your health is to start the process to stop drinking soda immediately. This is especially important if you are consuming diet sodas, as they are FAR more toxic than regular sodas.

If you are consuming large amounts soda you will want to gradually reduce it to minimize your withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite severe if you are consuming caffeinated sodas.

If you really want to do what's best for your health, stick to pure water as your beverage of choice.