Fake food fix: Get real sodas

Photo: Katharine Moriarty

Soda consumption has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and cavities. 

Many popular brands of soda contain these fake ingredients:

Phosphoric acid: A substance used in many sodas to add a tangy taste to the product. Phosphoric acid is used industrially as a rust remover and as an etching agent in dentistry. Drinking soda with phosphoric acid destroys tooth enamel.

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO): An additive to many citrus-flavored sodas that helps keep fat-soluble particles suspended in the drink and imparts a cloudy appearance. Excessive consumption of BVO has caused memory loss, incoordination, fatigue, headache, and skin lesions in some individuals. While these effects are rare, it's not worth the risk.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS): Some studies have linked HFCS with obesity and others have found samples contaminated with the heavy metal, mercury. Although the manufacturers of HFCS maintain that it is safe, it seems prudent to avoid this one.

Diet sodas host their own list of unhealthy ingredients. HFCS is bad; but artificial sweeteners are even worse. Aspartame (listed as Nutrasweet or Equal) can cause headaches and worsen depression in susceptible people.

Ready for a healthier alternative to your average soda? From Ginger Beers to traditional colas, there's a natural soda for every palate.

Soda - The Real Food Way

Sparkling Juicers

Combine equal parts sparkling water (for best taste, use Fiuggi, San Benedetto, San Pellegrino, or Perrier) and your favorite fruit juice. What this combo lacks in sweetness it more than makes up for in flavor.

For a classic cola taste with a healthy twist, try Cricket Cola. The all-natural ingredients include green tea and real kola nut; no HFCS and no phophoric acid.

Not for the faint of heart, Reed's Ginger Brew is the real thing. With six spin-offs of the original, these zesty combos will awaken the senses.

Gus (Grown-Up Soda) offers not-too-sweet sodas like Dry Pomegranate and Star Ruby Grapefruit. No artificial ingredients here; just sparkling water, cane sugar, and natural fruit juices.

Real Food Doc Notes

Just because some of the natural soda alternatives listed here don't contain HFCS or artificial ingredients, be sure to enjoy the sugar-sweetened varieties in moderation. Too much of any sugar is tough on the teeth and the waistline!