Soft Drinks Contaminated By Benzene
Freelance Writer
Bacon cheeseburgers and French fries drip with weight gain,
increased cholesterol levels, and higher blood pressure. But
what if further research findings made these foods look safe?
In some way or other, a large part of the American diet proves
unhealthy and even harmful. Conscientious meal planning becomes
more and more needed and desired. For one, many foods contain
high levels of fat and sugar. The fact that these foods
monopolize the fast-food options needed in a quick-pace society
exasperates this problem further. Secondly, modern
food-processing methods rob essential nutrients from once
healthy foods. Thirdly, with pesticide remnants and artificial
flavors and colorings, chemicals prove to be just another
ingredient in the recipe. Unfortunately though, the danger does
not stop here. Other, even more alarming, food contents
insidiously permeate meals every day. With a large percentage
of America remaining uninformed, food itself has stolen control
of people’s own bodies. Poison may actually be included on the
menu too….
With its lively bubbles, sparkling texture, dancing foam, and
energy boosts, soft drinks function as a household staple for a
majority of society. Dinner, lunch, even breakfast, America
warmly welcomes soda, fruit juices, and flavored waters into
its glasses. However, these pleasing beverages do not come
cheap. Weight gain from frequent consumption of high calorie
drinks proves too common, and these beverages largely
contribute to the country’s ever-rising obesity rates. But
researchers have found something even more disturbing. Along
with high sugar levels, artificial flavorings, and
calcium-reducing fizz, some soft drinks even contain the highly
toxic substance benzene – sometimes at alarming levels. Could a
bottle of good old fashioned soda pop be nothing more than a
sizzling industrial plant?
How Did Benzene Get in a Mere Soda Can?
Cars release benzene with their fumes. Above gas stations
benzene invisibly lingers in a thick, intractable haze.
Factories release benzene in their production of some plastics,
chemicals, dyes, and detergents. A pollutant and a toxin, it is
not surprising that benzene causes cancer. The air of such work
establishments has reportedly infected employees. With such
characteristics, benzene is definitely not a substance that one
would expect to find in a grocery aisle. So, how did it get
there?
Many soft drinks contain benzoate salts and ascorbic acid
(Vitamin C). Both these substances are naturally a part of
fruit-based drinks. A high percentage of other sodas use them
as preservative agents or as nutritional additions. However,
when benzoate salts and Vitamin C come in contact with high
levels of light and/or heat, there is a strong chance that a
chemical reaction will occur. Benzene is the product of this
process.
Is Benzene Contamination Preventable?
There is no way to ensure that soft drinks remain benzene-free.
But what if someone only drinks those that he/she purchases?
What if people only store beverages in cool and shaded areas?
It does not matter. No one can be sure of conditions in every
storage warehouse or every transported shipment. Once created,
benzene permanently remains. Even the most impeccable treatment
and care cannot erase existing damage.
While the presence of any amount of benzene is unsettling, the
FDA determined that levels must not exceed 5 ppb in order to
pose a threat. Nonetheless, thousands of bottles and cans are
never untested. No one can be sure of the history of his/her
individual drink before purchase. Scientists cannot be certain
how benzene levels will affect each specific person. What if
some people are more sensitive than others? Will research find
that lower benzene levels are actually harmful tomorrow? Under
the circumstances facts can easily change, and “assurances”
leave questions unanswered.
In 1990 soft drink companies altered production methods in
hopes of preventing benzene development. Nevertheless, from
2005 to 2006 the FDA found benzene amounts well above 5 ppb in
some products. Furthermore, the experiment proved highly
inadequate. Covering only a small percentage of the country,
the study also did not include all products or brands. What if
benzene levels are actually far greater? Could these findings
only be a glimpse of a terrible reality? .
Are there any preventive strategies?
No longer just unhealthy, some foods may actually contain toxic
elements. People can maintain healthy diets with foods low in
fat, sugar and salt and high in fiber. Fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and lean meat are some excellent examples. Foods
without artificial sugars, dyes, and preservatives lower
chances of unwanted chemicals. However, while healthy and
natural foods prove best, people are not always given a choice
to decide. The FDA only recently confirmed that benzene still
appeared in some soft drinks. Could harmful substances be
contaminating other foods? How can a person defend him/herself
from unknown threats?
Doctors and trained dieticians can not only spotlight the
safest foods, but they can also provide a personalized
supplement program. Possessing the ability to fill in missing
nutritional gaps, vitamins and herbs also have the capability
of protecting the body from many environmental stresses and
food impurities. The strengthening of the immune system and the
cleansing of the liver are two key tactics. However, while
vitamins may be natural, they are still powerful. The
inappropriate use of some vitamins can actually weaken the
immune system and destroy the liver. But with the proper
instruction from a trained professional, people can repair
dietary deficiencies, buttress the body from inescapable harm,
and help build an even healthier life than thought possible.
It is also advisable for a trained professional to recommend
the best brands. Labels can not always be trusted. Some vitamin
manufacturers overly dilute their products with buffers and
other use less fillers. Nonetheless, after proper instruction,
consumers can easily find affordable high quality discount
vitamins from excellent retailers.
People can easily eliminate possible benzene levels by avoiding
soft drink products. Unfortunately, safeguarding the body from
other unknown chemical toxins is not so easy. Apparently,
everything in food is not always edible. Nevertheless, an
individualized diet plan under the guidance of a trained
professional can easily ensure health and prevent problems.
Wholesome and natural foods and discount vitamins greatly
prepare for the unknown.
About The Author: By VitaNet® Health Foods at
http://vitanetonline.com/ . VitaNet sells high quality vitamins
and herbs with a wide selection of discount vitamins :
http://vitanetonline.com/ that
are in stock and ready to ship.
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