The Long-Term Risk of Drinking Soda

If you think that limiting sodas to "just one a day" won’t hurt your health, think again. New evidence shows that the extra sugar in soft drinks can substantially increase your risk of serious disease.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drank at least one sugar-sweetened soft drink a day were 85 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than women who drank sugary sodas less than once a month. According to the study, sugars from liquid foods - like soft drinks - were more likely to cause the weight gain and obesity that sets the stage for this disease.

So next time you’re tempted to grab a soda, try a healthier alternative. Filtered water or green tea won’t give you a sugar buzz, but your body will thank you in the long run.