What is Root Beer?
Root beer is an age-old North American drink which is also very popular worldwide. The initial root beer component was made from the roots of the sassafras tree. Still, after the Sassafras was banned by the United States Foods and Drugs Association due to one of its carcinogenic components, Safrole, artificial flavors of Sassafras were used instead.
Root beer is usually non-alcoholic beer, caffeine-free and can be a common sight at children's parties. It is a favorite of all age groups. However, unlike what its name sounds like, it is nothing beneficial and is harmful instead.
6 Mind-Numbing Facts about Root Beer
Here we will let you know 6 root beer components that cause serious health penalties:
1. Artificial Sweeteners
Root beers contain artificial sweeteners in amounts that can be hazardous to humans in the long run. Artificial sweeteners have also been linked to cancer and can increase your risks of lymphoma, leukaemia and bladder cancers. Sweeteners such as aspartame also cause anxiety and headaches.
2. Highly Processed
Processed foods and drinks are no friends to your health; the same goes for Root beer. Several ingredients are added to increase their shelf life, which can have serious negative effects on your digestive system and lead to an increase in belly fat and other fats.
3. Colouring
Did you ever feel the colours could harm you too? Well, it does. Industrial Caramel food colourings have been identified as potentially carcinogenic because of their production methods. They have been linked to blood, lung, liver and thyroid cancers! Although the amounts used have been lowered for a while now, it still isn’t worth the risk.
4. Benzene
This carcinogen is found in most root beers as a result of the reactions between two components- Benzoic Acid and Ascorbic Acid
5. High Fructose Corn Syrup
HFCS, or High Fructose Corn Syrup, is highly processed and has been linked to Obesity. Some HFCS samples also contain mercury which can significantly harm our immune system. Though it has not been proven to be worse than normal sugar, it is not better than normal sugar either. Both of these root beer components are hazardous to your health!
6. High Amounts of Sweeteners
The sweetener content of only one can of root beer exceeds our daily sweet consumption limit, which can lead to diabetes, an increase in blood sugar and obesity. Also, they will decay your teeth the fastest! By now, you should be convinced enough to think twice before buying yourself another can. However, do not worry about missing the drink because it has healthier alternatives too! Here’s is the list for a healthy Root Beer components:
Mind Numbing Facts
Herbs Used
- Sassafras root (not harmful in small amounts)
It helps in skin problems, gouts and rheumatism
It will help control your premenstrual syndrome and reduce the side effects of menopause.
It helps in relieving pain, colds, sore throats and bacterial infections
It helps stomach ulcers, heartburns, and arthritis and also benefits your skin!
Helps in Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Nausea, Digestion, Common colds and Muscle Pain.
It will reduce high blood sugar and regulate insulin functions. It also has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
It helps to regulate blood cholesterol levels, fights infections and helps in digestion.
Other Ingredients Used
- Lime juice
- Molasses
- Unrefined sugar
- Homemade Ginger Bug
Home-made root beer components also have negative effects, but only when consumed in extremely large amounts. The effects can be especially on the liver due to Sassafras roots. Short-term effects include headaches from Licorice roots and allergies from sarsaparilla root, a common allergen. Though the process of making a homemade root beer includes mixing and brewing and can be a hectic task but at least you’re giving yourself a healthy soft drink, which is rare!
Conclusion
Commercial root beer components are much more harmful than traditional ones. Though it can be better than most other carbonated beverages, it is definitely not something you should treat yourself with. Just brew a glass or two when you really crave one, and your problem is solved! The soft drinks business is now only a market of profits. Switch to healthier alternatives whenever possible!
