By Nancy Appleton Killer Colas: The Hard Truth About Soft Drinks (1st Frist Edition) [Paperback]

by Nancy Appleton

It’s as American as fast foods, ice cream, and candy bars. So why are people saying all those nasty things about soft drinks? The answer is All those terrible things are true. And while the facts may be hard to swallow, it is high time we look at the damage that has been done by our long-running love affair with the beverage industry. In their new book, Killer Colas , Dr. Nancy Appleton and G. N. Jacobs provide a startling picture of a greedy industry hell-bent on destroying our country’s health, no matter what the cost.Over the last twenty-five years, the sale of sodas, energy beverages, and sports drinks has exploded, as has the incidence of adult and childhood obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. In Killer Colas , the authors detail why this downward spiral has occurred. They look at the history and growth of the soft drink industry from fountain shops to multinational mega-corporations; they examine the industry’s powerful influence over the media; and they look at the addictive and harmful ingredients these companies have added to their formulas. The authors also offer scientific evidence that links our growing consumption of soft drinks with our declining health.In the light of our country’s health crisis, the consequences of our addiction to soft drinks can no longer be ignored. Killer Colas exposes the facts behind an addiction that is just as powerful and dangerous as our love of tobacco. Once you have read this book, you will never look at a soft drink in the same way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was convinced before I read this book that soda is bad for you. I quit drinking it a couple of years ago after I discovered how much a can of it raised my blood sugar. This book not only reinforced my resolution but added to it with information on other substances found in soda that can be harmful to you. Appleton included the clearest explanation I've ever found as to how sugar is absorbed by the body, and what happens if you overdose on it. She also talks about artificial sweeteners, which I can't abide the taste of (sickeningly sweet!) and which I never thought were good for you, a fact which she confirms here. All of her information is backed with research studies which she refers to at the back of the book. I wish she had included more information on how caffeine in sodas and sweetened drinks affects one's health, however, and especially how the caffeine in such drinks compares with that in coffee and tea. The chapter on sugar's relationship to various diseases and conditions has lead me to consider cutting back on desserts, and sticking to fruit for sweets. I also appreciated her chapter on how soft drink companies use advertising to lure people, especially kids, into getting hooked on their products. And speaking of hooked, the chapter on sugar addiction was fascinating, especially the section on soft drink substitutes. Actually, I think the best substitute is WATER! Recommended for soda drinkers and non-soda drinkers alike.

[Ginger Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew sodas were bad for me, but couldn't quite kick my habit. I stopped drinking them 9 days ago and began to read this book. I will reread this book and some others like it, hoping to stay mentally strong while detoxing myself. Great information, and very eye-opening!!

[Wendi Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously the author is strongly against soda and other sugary drinks. She gives lots of evidence and easy to understand reasons. Ingredients are broken down and explained. Effects and related symptoms are mentioned. Everybody should read this book, particularly if you have family members who drink soda and other "healthy" drinks often. I am surprised nobody has sued soda companies for false claims or for not stating the dangers of frequent use clearly, like tobacco companies have to.

[Cristina Bindschatel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. A little over 10 years old, but I am sure much of this information is still relevant. The food industry is disgusting and shameful for putting this crap on the market. Empty calories for sure.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Trav Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, easy to read and very informative. Makes a great argument about the dangers of soft drinks. it reinforces the things I've already studied about them.

[Amy Macak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent information