SYEDA NUJBA BATOOL
MILK is associated with health benefits and it is one of most common beverage which is consumed throughout the world. It is come from different sources of animal species such as goat, sheep, camel, and cow. It improves intake of vitamins, rehydration and strong bones and teeth.
  Milk is a best source of calcium. Calcium is essential for the development of bones and teeth. One cup of skim milk gives 306m gms of calcium. Choline is an important nutrient for learning, muscle movement, memory. It helps to maintain cellular membrane structure, nerve impulse transmission, helps in absorption of fats. Intake of high potassium is related with 20pc risk of diseases.
  Carbonated beverages are the drinks that include dissolution of carbon dioxide in water. Presence of carbon dioxide produces fizzing and bubbles in liquid. Carbonation occurs naturally and artificially.
  In 1950’s the standard size for carbonated beverages was 6.5-ounce. Now the standard size of bottle is 20-ounce even 42-ounce bottle is available in market means that the consumption of carbonated beverages raise. The calories in carbonated beverages are empty calories with no nutritional value. If you irregularly use of carbonated beverages that is not harmful for you, but regular use of drinking carbonated beverages may lead to health consequences.
  In milk against carbonated beverages battle, carbonated beverages win on taste and milk wins on nutrition competition. Both are similar in calories, as a 12-ounce of both gives about 130-180 calories. Milk gives proteins, fats, minerals, carbohydrates but carbonated beverages give only carbs.
  Carbohydrates provide important functions to the body. They provide fuel of energy to body cells. The food and nutrition board announces that an adult should get about 130gms of carbohydrates per day. Carbonated beverages contain more carbs than milk —- approx. 35 to 45gms serving of 12-ounce and 17 to 20gms of carbohydrates per serving of 12-ounce of milk. Carbohydrates in carbonated beverages come from added sugar while carbohydrates in milk come from natural sources of sugars called “lactose”
  Most of the population including adults, teenagers select carbonated beverages to consume because of its taste that many people drink carbonated beverages with every meal. Some people drink carbonated beverages due to peer influence and also convinced by advertisements. Some carbonated beverages contain caffeine is to some extent addictive. Some people drink carbonated beverages when they feel thirst and when the level of saliva is very low. Carbonated beverages are more acidic that affect the neutralisation of saliva. Carbonated beverages have become highly controversial in public health. Carbonated beverages are seen as a major contributor in obesity and health-related issues. People cannot stop to drink carbonated beverages because of taste, advertisements. Some people drink carbonated beverages due to force of habit. Carbonated beverages are inexpensive as compared to fruit juices and milk that’s why people after meal prefer carbonated beverages to drink. We should plan to stop drinking carbonated beverages so that we can prevent from chronic health-related problems. Drinking single 330mI a day can increase weight. Drinking carbonated beverages can increase the risk of obesity about 1.6 times. Researches have shown that women who drink carbonated beverages in a day can gain more weight and 83pc were type-2 diabetes than those who consume carbonated beverages once in a month. Researches have shown that in 1950, children consume 1 cup of carbonated beverages but now children consume 3 cups of carbonated beverages and lesser amount of milk. So to avoid from chronic diseases we should consume less amount of carbonated beverages and choose alternatives such as juices and milk which provide nourishment to health.
(The writer is student of Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, UVAS).