Why is Soda Bad For You?
As states and municipalities consider new taxes, one of the popular targets appears to be pizza and soda. A March report in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine explains that an 18% tax on pizza and soda could lower the caloric intake of Americans enough to shed an average of 5 pounds each year. Even a federal tax on soda is on the table.
It begs the question, what’s so bad about soda? (and pizza!?)
It comes down to calories. Water has zero calories and a regular can of soda has hundreds, mostly from sugar. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are bad for you because they are empty calories and HFCS promotes weight gain.
Also, it appears that in addition to empty calories, soda can promote tooth decay as the acids and acidic sugar byproducts can soften tooth enamel. The softer enamel combined with improper brushing can lead to tooth loss. The diet versions, which don’t contain sugar, are less dangerous but the acid is still a factor.
On the whole, soda is bad for you. 
(Photo: fimoculous)
