KARACHI:
A recent report revealed that the soft drinks industry in Pakistan is set to generate a revenue of $4.67 billion in 2023. Given Pakistan’s hot and dry climate and long summer season, most people consume soft drinks in large quantities often unaware of their harmful effects. These sugary beverages come in a variety of flavours such as cola, lemon-lime, orange and fruit punch. These drinks are typically sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners to enhance their taste.
A 100ml soft drink contains approximately 14 grams of sugar. Our bodies do not require added sugars to function properly, as we can obtain necessary sugars like fructose, glucose and lactose from natural foods. Consuming added sugar can make us susceptible to joint pain, liver damage, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Many people consume soft drinks regularly because of sugar’s addictive nature. Soft drinks may also contain caramel, colours, phosphoric acid, citric acid, stabilisers and other additives. The colours and preservatives present in soft drinks can cause several disorders. The phosphoric acid used as a preservative to prevent mould growth can cause tooth decay.
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and hypertension, are prevalent among regular consumers of these beverages. Additionally, dental problems, kidney issues and gastrointestinal disorders can be directly attributed to soft drink consumption. To combat the detrimental effects of soft drinks in Pakistan, a multi-pronged approach is required such as education and awareness campaigns, stricter regulations on the marketing, labelling of soft drinks, imposing higher taxes on sugary beverages and introducing clear warning labels indicating their health risks. Encouraging the consumption of healthier alternatives, such as water, sugarcane juice, buttermilk and fresh fruit juices is crucial for reducing soft drink intake.
Samran Khalid
Bahawalnagar
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2023.
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