Sugar is the devil, Bobby!
I feel like I need to clarify that this post is not a full endorsement of RFK Jr. (Relax. Breathe.) This is me agreeing with one very specific point. A pretty obvious point at that.
One regular 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains about 39 grams of sugar. To those of us in the U.S. this means nothing. 39 grams, 39 milligrams, who cares? What's the difference? But what if I did the calculation for you?
39 grams = 10 teaspoons or almost 3.5 tablespoons of sugar.
In EVERY can and 12 oz bottle. But they don't really sell 12 oz bottles any more do they. There's 14 teaspoons of sugar in a 16 oz bottle of Coke. There's a walloping 5 tablespoons (62 grams) of sugar in a single bottle of Mountain Dew. That's twice the American Heart Association's daily recommended limit for sugar consumption. For the entire day.
But I digress. Ten teaspoons in a can of Coke? There’s barely any room left for all the good stuff like artificial colors and flavors and phosphoric acid. Yum. But put that same sugar in a red can with a polar bear on it, and it’s socially acceptable. That’s the problem.
RFK Jr. has been talking about reining in sugar-sweetened beverages, especially when it comes to kids and federally supported nutrition programs. And while I never imagined we’d be standing on the same side of any health discussion with him, I’ll give credit where it’s due.
It is not my intent to shame anyone for enjoying a soft drink now and then. But let’s stop pretending high fructose corn syrup is somehow “healthy” sugar.
Be Aware.
When something becomes so normal that we stop questioning it, that’s when it quietly does the most damage. I’m not here to tell you to never drink soda again. Life is hard enough and this PCa thing makes it even more challenging. I get it. But I am here to say this: If you’re drinking it every day, or giving it to your kids regularly, it’s worth knowing exactly what’s in that can and making that choice in full disclosure.
So, yes, this might be the one moment in my lifetime where I say, “You know what? RFK Jr. has a point.” Don’t get used to it. If this made you think, please hit reply and tell me your take, or better yet, share this with someone who still thinks soda is “basically water.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is too much information that already exists to limit what I share to what’s happened in a particular week. Thus is born “The Monday Brief.”
The Monday Brief will highlight existing information that I feel is important enough to share with you, as well as explanations and discussions about topics I receive the most questions about. Something as simple as “What does the prostate do?” or “What does PSA measure?” could be topics.
I truly appreciate your support. As you know, this newsletter is free. The best way you can show your appreciation is by commenting and sharing with those you know and love who might benefit from the information being shared. Blessings.