What is the gas released by carbonated drinks? Is the gas released by carbonated drinks harmful?

Carbonated drinks have long been considered a cause of obesity, and carbonated drinks with high levels of preservatives and antioxidants may pose a risk of cancer. However, some people cannot resist the temptation of their taste buds and still like carbonated drinks. Let's start with the release of gas from carbonated drinks today!

Contents of this article

1. What is the gas released by carbonated drinks?

2. Are the gases released by carbonated drinks harmful?

3. What should you pay attention to when drinking carbonated beverages?

What is the gas released by carbonated drinks?

carbon dioxide.

Carbonated drinks are carbon dioxide water, usually with added sugar. The pH is generally less than 7, and the carbonic acid generated by adding carbon dioxide to water is acidic. For example, cola has a pH similar to lemonade because of the addition of phosphoric acid. Carbonated beverages (soda) products refer to beverages that are filled with carbon dioxide under certain conditions, including carbonated beverages, carbonated sports drinks and other specific varieties, but do not include beverages that produce carbon dioxide by fermentation.

Are the gases released by carbonated drinks harmful?

No.

Although the carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks is completely harmless to the human body, it does not mean that everyone can drink without restraint. In addition to carbohydrates, carbonated drinks have very few other nutrients and contain high calories. A can of 330 ml of cola contains about 142 kcal of calories, which requires 20 minutes of jogging to completely consume. If you happen to not love sports, then getting fat is inevitable. Carbonated drinks will increase the risk of tooth decay. Because they contain more carbohydrates, they become a paradise for oral bacteria after fermentation. Over time, they will cause tooth decay, gingivitis, etc. However, if you pay attention to oral hygiene, you can greatly reduce the harm of carbonated drinks to your teeth.

What should you pay attention to when drinking carbonated beverages?

Usually, carbonated drinks and sweetened drinks have a high sugar content, about 8%-11%, and some fruit-flavored drinks are even as high as 13% or more. Among children and adolescents, sugary drinks are the main source of added sugar. Long-term excessive intake of added sugar can increase the risk of dental caries, obesity and many other chronic diseases. According to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines, daily sugar intake should not exceed 50g, and it is best to control it below about 25g, while a can of cola contains about 35g of sugar. More importantly, carbonated drinks can bring a sense of fullness. The daily food intake of children and adolescents is basically stable. Drinking more carbonated drinks may reduce the intake of other foods, such as vegetables, fruits, milk, etc., and develop bad eating habits. In the long run, it may also lead to a lack of other nutrients and affect the growth and development of children.