A recent article on CBC titled, “Drinking too much pop could affect adolescent memory, ability to learn,” points out that in addition to risks of obesity and diabetes, excess consumption of soda could have an adverse effect on the brain…and especially the brains of teenagers!
The article points out how research suggests that daily ingestion of high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose sweetened drinks can impair learning and recall. Dr. Scott Kanoski states, "It's no secret that refined carbohydrates, particularly when consumed in soft drinks and other beverages, can lead to metabolic disturbances." He goes on to say that such excessive ingestion of sugar-sweetened drinks before adulthood interferes with the brain’s ability to function normally and remember critical information about the environment.
When I first glanced at the article, I couldn’t help but laugh. Like, duh! Was this a statement of the obvious or what?! Looking at many of today’s teenagers, especially those who consume large quantities of soda, it is clear that they don’t learn and can’t remember much of anything. Why? Well, look at all of the stupid things they do over and over again! “Just for kicks,” one teenager jumps off the roof of a three floor house and breaks several bones. The first day out of the hospital after several months of rehab, he does it all over again! He just didn’t learn! I only have one thing to say about this: “As thick as a brick!”
For those of you who believe in theories of natural selection, we are witness to prime examples of what the future has in store for our society. If we were to extrapolate our species’ likelihood of survival from the actions of our young folks, we would see that we are doomed to extinction! In essence, the former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg, was right to wage a public health battle against soda drinks. It is clear that soda should be banned!
What are the chances of such a ban taking root? I would say nil. Why? Because soda is big business! There is too much money to be made by the conglomerates, so they will never allow this to happen! So, what are we left to do? Blame it on fast foods.
- B. J. T. Pepin