Scientists have discovered that active girls who drink cola drinks are five times more likely to experience broken bones than girls who don't consume cola. But why are their bones more likely to break?
The scientists believe that when we drink soft drinks, we feel full. With a stomach full of soft drink we're more likely to skip meals or not finish what's on our plate. We're also less likely to consume healthy foods. Not getting enough dairy products and other calcium-rich foods means your bones are not getting the supplies they need to stay strong.
If you want to drink something to boost bone strength, milk is the best bet. When you're thirsty and want a healthy drink, water is the way to go.
You're less likely to feel so full after water – so you'll still have room at mealtimes for healthy, calcium-rich foods including cheese, yoghurt and fish such as sardines, salmon and shellfish.
Reference:
Wyshak G (2000) Teenaged girls, carbonated beverage consumption, and bone fractures. Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine 154: 610-613.
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