Non-Toxic Living
August 7, 2003
Published by Erla Charles
Consumer awareness articles for my customers, website guests, friends, and family :-}
It is common knowledge that soda companies have given schools millions of dollars in sales commissions for the privilege of selling sodas to kids.
Hey, sodas are even sold in health clubs where people are trying to loose weight!
Our environment is being overloaded with products that only endanger our future quality of life.
Now before reading any further... Don't get me wrong... I love sodas. It is not my intention to take away the wonderful pleasure of drinking soda from you. I simply want to suggest to you some healthy soda alternatives you may have never thought about, or even heard of.
You see... there is "junk-food" soda, what is usually sold in schools and in regular grocery stores. And... there is wholesome and healthy soda that come in a wide variety of wonderful flavors. I will tell you more about this a little further ahead.
The question health practitioners are now asking is... "Could we have been selling out our children's future, AND their long-term enjoyment of life, at a very cheap price?"
I got this information from one of Dr. Joe Mercola's newsletter articles titled "The Real Dangers of Soda to You and Your Children." I thought you might find it very interesting...
FACTS ABOUT SODA
Did you know...
- That 1 can (12 fl oz.) of soda contains about 10 full teaspoons of sugar?
(How many cans or 12 fl oz glases do you drink per day? Too much sugar can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain, premature aging, and more.) - That besides artificial coloring, it is also loaded with sulfites?
(Many consumers of today's American diet experience severe allergy symptoms, including headaches, astma, and even seizures from sulfites). - That soda has been linked to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay, and heart disease?
- That teenage boys now drink, on average, 3 or more cans of sodas per day?
And 10 % drink 7 or more cans a day? (add up all that sugar!!)
- That teenage girls now drink, on average, 2 or more cans of sodas per day?
And 10% drink 5 or more cans a day? - That mainstream soda contains Phosphoric Acid, which interferes with the absorption of calcium and other nutrients?
- That most diet sodas are sweetened with Aspartame, which has been associated with brain tumors, diabetes, emotional disorders, and seizures?
- That the tap water in sodas can carry many chemicals and organic pollutants?
- That, nutritionwise, soda is one of the main reasons why people suffer health problems?
Read Dr. Mercola's full article here!
Taken from Dr. Joseph Mercola's Newsletter ~ July 9th, 2003
http://www.mercola.com
Did you know that there are a few great all natural alternatives to your mainstream commercial sodas?
Most people crave the combination of gas, flavoring, and sweetness.
You don't have to be without this pleasure.
One option is to make your own soda... Yes, you heard me correctly. You could make your own soda! It's REALLY easy
I use sparkling mineral water, 100% organic frozen fruit juice concentrate, and liquid stevia. It is healthy and delicious. And you'll enjoy the flavor of wholesomeness. You'll have happy cells, grateful to be getting a break from toxic additives and sugar.
Remember that since this is an all natural alternative, it will taste slightly different from the commercial, chemical-laden soda. The usual synthetic flavor that you've grown so accustomed to, just won't be there. But if you are ready for a healthy change, within a short time your tastebuds will prefer the taste of freshness of your home made soda.
Erla's simple soda drink recipe
Ingredients:
makes one large glass for one person
12 fl oz. of very cold sparkling mineral water
1 Tbsp (tablespoon) of 100% frozen fruit juice concentrate of your choice
12-17 dr (drops) of liquid stevia (clear).
Preparation:
- Put the 100% frozen fruit juice concentrate into a large 12 oz glass.
- Add the drops of liquid stevia (clear), to taste.
- Stir with a spoon, to mix and to soften frozen juice concentrate.
- Very slowly add the cold sparkling mineral water, stir, and enjoy immediately!
Do not add more frozen fruit juice concentrate, otherwise it will taste more like a fruit juice than like a soda. Common soda drinks have much coloring and very little real flavoring. So, a lot of fruit juice concentrate is not needed. Instead, a strong sparkling mineral water is really important.
If it's not sweet enough, add just a few more drops of liquid stevia. Stevia is a plant that is extremely sweet and supports the health of your digestive system, AND... it has ZERO calories!! It also has a slight licorice-y flavor, so you want to be careful. You do not want to add more than is necessary for a balanced sweet taste.
Another option is to buy sodas from your local natural foods store or co-op. Read the ingredients list to make sure that your sodas do not contain any refined sugars, chemical sweetners (e.g. Aspartame), or other harmful additives. They may contain dehydrated cane juice. That's much better. At a good natural foods co-op you will find a large variety of flavors.
And remember to Detoxify on a regular basis from the toxins in our air, water, and food supplies. Click here for information on detoxification.Today, more than ever before, cell-purification and detoxification of your body are a MUST!! They are your body's best ally.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~ Erla
Promoting Consumer Awareness
and Preventive Family Health
Sacramento, CA
(916) 424-2448 Ext. 3
Visit our Consumer Awareness Information Center
http://www.non-toxic-n-natural.com
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Erla Charles is a health & wellness advocate
and is available to give Family Preventive Health Clinics in the home.
Sacramento, CA.
Article in Erla's Online Fileroom for Consumer Information and Awareness