How my school teacher made me quit Coca Cola

It’s funny how some childhood events stay with us no matter how many years have gone by. Every now and then, something casts one’s mind back to that particularly incident and you realise just how much it influenced your behaviour and shaped who you’ve become.

A memory that’s often triggered every time I see someone drinking Coca-Cola is of my 8-year-old self at religious school one afternoon, standing right beside my wrinkled bearded teacher at his desk at the front of the class. I was diligently reciting my sabak, while shaking in my little shoes out of fear, and so I made every effort to focus on my pronunciation. He was sooo strict that the entire class was terrified of him, but this day, he cut the tension and scarred me for life – all in a single act.

Moulana Abed was how we referred to him. He stopped me halfway through my recitation, slipped his dentures out his mouth and shoved them inches from my face. I remember being completely grossed out by the particles of food trapped between the false teeth. Yuck. Then, his eyes sharpened as we warned me in a stern voice: “Never drink Coke! All your teeth will fall out!” And from that day forth, at a most impressionable age, I never drank a sip of Coca-Cola or any other fizzy soda. As disgusting as his demonstration was, I’m truly thankful for the minor mental scar as it did me a massive favour.

A Brief History of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola, one of the most iconic brands in the world, was created in 1886 by Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally marketed as a medicinal tonic, Coca-Cola was made from coca leaves and kola nuts, which is how it got its name. The drink quickly gained popularity, and by 1892, businessman Asa Candler purchased the rights to Coca-Cola, transforming it into a global brand. Today, Coca-Cola is sold in over 200 countries and is one of the most recognised products worldwide. However, despite its widespread appeal, there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to quit drinking this popular poison.

10 reasons to quit drinking Coca-Cola

1. Funds illegal occupation: Coca-Cola's relationship with Israel has evolved over time, beginning with hesitation to enter the market due to pressure from Arab nations, which led to the company's inclusion in an Arab League boycott when it began operations in Israel in 1966. Despite this, Coca-Cola became a significant player in the Israeli market and is now a major employer in Israel, which continues to illegally occupy Palestinian territory and commit war crimes against civilians. I believe that Coca-Cola’s economical contribution to the apartheid regime is a major reason to STOP DRINKING COKE!!!

2. High sugar content: A single can of Coca-Cola contains about 39 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake, and the only reason you don’t vomit from overwhelming sweetness is because phosphoric acid cuts the flavour. Remember, excessive sugar causes a spike in blood sugar, which leads to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

3. Empty calories: Coca-Cola provides no essential nutrients, only empty calories that contribute to weight gain without offering any nutritional benefits.

4. Dental health risks: The high sugar and acidity levels in Coca-Cola can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental issues.

5. Caffeine dependence: Coca-Cola contains caffeine, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue. After 40 minutes of drinking it, your pupils will be dilated and blood pressure will rise.

6. Artificial ingredients: The drink contains artificial flavours and preservatives, including phosphoric acid, which can contribute to bone density loss and kidney problems. An hour after drinking Coke, phosphoric acid binds much-needed calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and drives these minerals away from bones to be excreted through urine.

7. Risk of chronic diseases: Regular consumption of sugary drinks like Coca-Cola has been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Remember that sugar and other refined carbohydrates feed cancer cells.

8. Contribution to obesity epidemic: Studies have shown that sugary beverages like Coca-Cola are a significant factor in the rising rates of obesity worldwide. The liver responds to excessive sugar by sucking it up and converting it into fat that piles up around your vital organs.

9. Negative impact on skin: High sugar intake leads to inflammation and acne. The spike in blood sugar is chased by a rush of insulin, which causes the ovaries to produce a potent form of testosterone called DHT, which in turn causes sebaceous glands to become overactive. This results in painful cystic acne, thicker facial hair, and male-pattern balding. The artificial ingredients in Coca-Cola can also contribute to skin problems. It’s worth adding that sugar literally ages you. In an upcoming post, I’ll talk about glycation and AGEs, so keep an eye out for that :)

10. Environmental concerns: Coca-Cola's production process involves the use of large amounts of water and plastic, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution.

The above aside, there are some valid uses for Coca-Cola ;)

• Removes ink marks and stains on concrete

• Loosens rusty bolts

• Effective toilet cleaner

Quitting Coca-Cola can be a giant leap towards better health, improved well-being, youthfulness, and a longer life. With so many healthier beverage options available like BLUwater spirulina and POPPI prebiotic soda with only 4 g sugar, making the switch to a less harmful beverage is easier than ever. If you turn around and say, “Well, I drink Coke zero, so I’m fine.” Wrong! When it comes to the range of Coca-Cola products, it’s really just a ‘pick your poison’ scenario. Coke Zero may be sugar-free, but its sweetness is achieved with Ace-K and aspartame, well known to cause kidney and liver damage and mood swings.

Like I always say, prevention is better than cure, so if I as an 8-year-old kid could give it up cold turkey, then so can you.

Try quitting. You can do it! :)

Umayya