Carbonated sweet drinks are a major contributor to obesity, lifestyle diseases and heart conditions
Cristiano Ronaldo’s removing two Coca-Cola bottles during a press conference at Euro 2020 has sparked new discussions. The 36-year-old moved the cola bottles aside and chose a bottle of water as he sat down to speak to the media on June 15, 2021.
Ronaldo’s action has coincided with a $4bn fall in the share price of the drinks company. The Portugal captain is a renowned health fanatic and has made it clear about his stand on carbonated soft drinks. Ronaldo’s actions have also kick-started a conversation on the impact of soft drinks on our health and environment.
Ronaldo’s action carried a simple message: “Carbonated sweet beverages are bad for our health”. Carbonated sweet drinks are a major contributor to obesity, lifestyle diseases and heart conditions.
It is also taking a toll on the environment as Coca Cola produces about three million tonnes of plastic packaging a year. Soft drink packages are also one of the major pollutants in oceans, according to a recent study published in the journal, Nature Sustainability.
The Delhi-based think tank Centre For Science and Environment (CSE) in their 2003 study exposed dangerous levels of pesticide presence in these beverages that are marketed in India. CSE has also been warning about the health dangers these beverages posses, especially of spreading lifestyle diseases among young children. The now-famous action by the sports star is making people rethink their love for this slow sugar death.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.