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Food

9 Reasons Why You Should Never Drink Sprite, Like, Ever

December 12, 2017 by SheFinds Health
shefinds | Food
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There's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of Sprite. The lemon-lime soda beverage has become a popular drink for its sweet and fizzy taste, but health experts say that it's actually responsible for causing negative effects on your body. We took a deep dive into its ingredients list and found that Sprite is made with some unhealthy preservatives that can lead to a slew of health diseases. Here's why you should take a break from Sprite:

 

[Photos: Shutterstock]

sprite unhealthy

1. There are preservatives in it

Just because Sprite is colorless and caffeine-free doesn't mean that it's a healthy drink. Preservatives like sodium citrate, sodium benzoate and high fructose corn syrup are responsible for its delicious taste. 

 

2. There are carbohydrates in Sprite? 

One can of Sprite has 38 grams of carbohydrates, according to its nutrition facts. That's not all; you can also find 38 milligrams of sugar in there, too! 

 

3. Drinking too much Sprite can lead to tooth decay

Excessive citric acid intake can cause tooth enamel erosion, which will eventually lead to tooth decay. 

sprite unhealthy

4. Sprite can lead to irritation and hives

Like citric acid, consuming too much sodium benzoate can cause health problems, like irritation in the mouth and hives!

 

5. It can also cause DNA damage, too! 

Sodium benzoate is derived from petroleum, which has been linked to DNA damage and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. 

 

6. The sodium in Sprite isn't good for you either

One can of Sprite contains 65 milligrams of sodium. Consuming an excessive amount of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other scary health issues. 

sprite unhealthy

7. Sprite can even make you gain weight! 

Sprite, and soda in general, can lead to weight gain in those who overconsume it. This weight gain can put you at greater risk for developing a wide range of health problems including type 2 diabetes and cancer! 

 

8. Sprite has been linked to gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden swelling, stiffness and burning pain in certain joints, which is caused by having an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood. Yikes! 

 

9. Why drink Sprite when there are healthier options out there? 

If it's the fizzy lemon and lime flavor that you crave, know that there are healthier alternatives out there. We love IZZE Sparkling Juice, which is preservatives-free and made without added sugar, caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup. 

 

Author:

Health and fitness is our passion; for every story, our Health team consults leading experts in the fields of nutrition, wellness, kinesiology, and more to bring you groundbreaking medical advice. You can reach us by email at Editor@shefinds.com.

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Woman enjoying a cup of spearmint tea
Variety of different types of bread on a table.
Costco bakery section filled with delicious baked goods.
Woman holding her head in distress or pain.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting down.
Celebrity event with fans capturing moments with phones.
Assorted drinks from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a cup of aromatic coffee.
Wooden board with bagels, blueberries, and butter.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil in a kitchen.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken.
Person checking the time while enjoying breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwich products in a store.
Cooked salmon served with rice and greens on a plate.
Inside view of a Costco store with shoppers.
Woman taking magnesium supplements from a bottle.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked goods from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries and fresh salad on a plate.
Frozen pizza displayed in a grocery store aisle.
Fried fish served with crispy fries on a plate.