Trust, but verify

Original post:  Aug 3, 2015

We all should be skeptical of what we read on the internet. There are all kinds of outlets vying for our attention. At any given moment, you'll be bombarded with some of the most tantalizing headlines that are just begging for you to hit that link to learn more!

By now, we should realize that many of these pieces aren't fully believable. While there are many outright lies on the internet, what is even more troubling are the pieces that have some sprinkling of fact but overall are somewhat less than true. They are designed to be misleading in subtle ways that are difficult to detect.

One example of this is an infographic that popped up all over the place this past weekend. It is titled "What Happens One Hour After Drinking a Can of Coke". Here is a copy of it:

http://therenegadepharmacist.com/what-happens-one-hour-after-drinking-a-can-of-coke/

There are some rather hyperbolic claims about the damage Coca-Cola can do to your body. The actual truth is much less sensational. Many of the "facts" in this infographic are overstated and stretched well beyond what actually happens. Sugary soda is certainly not a health food, but it isn't quite the demon it's made out to be here.

This article from Buzzfeed actually takes apart each of the individual claims and consults with a nutritional biologist to discuss what really happens when you drink a cola. The reality is much more tame. The biologist actually references a scientific study she performed that shows that high levels of sugar don't automatically get converted into fat. Caffeine (especially in the amounts in a can of cola) isn't as bad for your body as heroin. If it were, coffee (which is usually more than twice as strong) would lead to many more ER visits.
Here's What's Wrong With That Viral Coca-Cola Graphic

The bottom line is that soda is not good for you. However, the occasional soft drink isn't going to lead you to perdition.