Remember the days of Pepsi A.M. and the “Coke for Breakfast” ad campaign? No? Well, there’s a reason for that. Let’s dive into why we choose coffee to start our day instead of soda.
Soda vs Coffee: Caffeine Content
Sure, both coffee and soda have caffeine, but not all sodas are created equal in terms of caffeine content. Even the cola with the highest caffeine levels can’t compare to a regular cup of coffee. For example, Surge, with its “whopping” 50-ish mg of caffeine per 12oz can, is no match for a 12oz cup of coffee, which contains about 140-ish mg of caffeine. That’s almost three times the strength. And while soda may beat coffee in sugar content, with 56g of sugar compared to coffee’s 0g, the association with caffeine is the only similarity between the two.
Soda vs Coffee: For Your Health
1. Coffee is less likely to cause weight gain.
Coffee has been proven to boost metabolism and help burn fat, unlike soda, which is loaded with sugar and calories. While you can add sugar and cream to your coffee, you can also enjoy it black or with just a splash of milk. On the other hand, even diet soda has been linked to increased food cravings. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame found in sodas have been shown to damage the brain’s ability to regulate hunger signals. Therefore, coffee is a better choice if you’re watching your weight.
2. Coffee can improve your physical performance.
Caffeine in coffee has been known to increase alertness and help the body utilize fat for energy. Soda, however, can actually decrease physical performance due to the crash caused by its sugar content. If you’re looking for a long-lasting energy boost, coffee is the way to go.
3. Coffee is packed with antioxidants.
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which protect the body against cellular damage. Soda, on the other hand, contains fewer to no antioxidants. While some sodas do contain caffeine, which has antioxidant properties, the overall amount in soda is nowhere near as potent as in coffee.
4. Coffee can help you live longer.
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, multiple types of cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and more. Drinking coffee in moderation can lead to a longer and better quality of life. Soda, on the other hand, does not offer these benefits. All things considered, coffee drinkers are more likely to enjoy a longer life than soda drinkers.
5. Coffee can actually improve your mental health.
Coffee has been found to improve mood, cognitive function, and energy levels—while sweetened drinks have been linked to a greater risk of depression. In terms of mental health, coffee once again takes the lead.
Coffee vs Soda: The Bottom Line
Nobody’s saying you have to choose between coffee and soda, but if you’re looking for the healthier option, coffee is the clear winner. Coffee offers numerous health benefits, is less likely to lead to unwanted weight gain, depression, diabetes, and other health problems.
And when it comes to caffeine strength, there’s no doubt that coffee reigns supreme. While neither coffee nor soda can grant you immortality, coffee might just help you enjoy a longer, healthier life. On the other hand, soda—even diet soda—might shorten it.
So, the next time you’re deciding between a cup of joe and a can of soda in the morning, think about why almost no one remembers Pepsi A.M. Make your choice accordingly.
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