Also Known as
Carbonated drink, Aerated drink

Description
A soft drink is a beverage that does not contain alcohol. Also known as carbonated soft. The name "soft drink" specifies a lack of alcohol by way of contrast to the term "hard drink". Beverages like colas, sparkling water, iced tea, lemonade, squash, and fruit punch are among the most common types of soft drinks, while hot chocolate, hot tea, coffee, milk, tap water, and milkshakes do not fall into this classification. Many carbonated soft drinks are optionally available in versions sweetened with sugars or with non-caloric sweeteners.
There is a wide variety of soft drinks, including "clear," cola, fruit flavors, and other flavors such as root beer and cream sodas.

Clear soft drinks contain water, carbon dioxide, sweetener, flavors such as ginger, lemon, or lime, and other additives and preservatives. Colas contain the ingredients of clear soft drinks, with the addition of caffeine and coloring. Fruit soft drinks contain the ingredients of clear soft drinks, with the addition of fruit oils or flavorings and coloring. Diet soft drinks substitute a non-calorie sweetener, such as aspartame, in place of sugar or corn sweetener.

Natural varieties, which use natural sweeteners and are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, are also available. Soft drinks are heavily consumed in part because companies promote them vigorously and market them everywhere-in stores, restaurants, gas stations, museums, vending machines, and even schools.

How to Select
Both bottled and canned soft drinks are found in the beverage section of grocery and health food stores. Soft drinks are also available at virtually every convenience store-on the shelf, in the refrigerated section, or from a soda fountain. It is available in different sizes and quantity. Just before buying check the seal properly as to if it's loose or so. Loss of fizz makes the soft drink unacceptable. Buy from the various brands and flavours available as desired.

Culinary Uses
· It is best with just one or two ice cubes with or without food or snack.
· A float is created by dropping a scoop of ice cream into a soft drink. It is often called an "ice cream soda"
· Use soft drinks in moderation. You can make your own by combining sparkling water with grape, apple, orange, lemon, or lime juice.

How to Store
Unopened bottle can be stored in or out of the refrigerator for a week or two. But the opened one has to be kept in refrigerator to maintain its fizz and should be used immediately within a day or two.

Health Benefits
· Caffeine, found in some soft drinks, increases stomach acid. Avoiding caffeine-containing soft drinks should therefore aid in the healing of gastritis.
· Hypoglycemia- Even modest amounts of caffeine may increase symptoms of hypoglycemia.
· The effects of caffeine-a stimulant-can last up to 20 hours, so some people will have disturbed sleep patterns even when their last cup of coffee was in the morning.
· Women who consume more sugary foods and caffeine-containing beverages appear to have an increased risk of PMS.
· Soft drinks may also displace other healthier choices in people's diets, such as water, milk, and fruit juice
· Soft drinks linked to weight gain and type 2 diabetes
· Frequent consumption of soft drinks may also increase the risk of osteoporosis-especially in people who drink soft drinks instead of calcium-rich milk. Dental experts continue to urge that people drink less soda pop, especially between meals, to prevent tooth decay (due to the sugars) and dental erosion (due to the acids).
· The empty calories of soft drinks are likely contributing to health problems, particularly overweight and obesity.
· Frequent consumers of soft drinks may also be at a higher risk of kidney stones and a slightly higher risk of heart disease.