Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick take
A social media video shows that pouring soft drink on car window can shatter it and implies that the same happens with our body also. We fact checked it and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A healthfanda Instagram page asserts a video that shows a man pouring soft drink on glass causes it to fracture. The video caption implies that humans should avoid cold beverages due to their purported capacity to inflict damage on glass.
Fact Check
What is the scientific explanation behind the breaking of glass when cold objects touch its hot surface?
Pouring cold water into a hot glass rapidly cools one side of the glass while maintaining its heat on the other. This uneven expansion creates stress in the glass, which can become too much for the glass to handle. If there are any weak points or imperfections in the glass, it’s more likely to break due to this stress. This phenomenon is called thermal fracture of glass and is caused by the rapid temperature difference.
Can consuming soft drink shatter our body in a manner similar to how glass shatters?
No, drinking cold beverages cannot shatter our body the same way that cold glass can shatter due to thermal shock. The physics that causes glass to break due to sudden temperature changes doesn’t directly apply to our bodies. Our bodies are much more adaptable to temperature variations and are not as brittle as glass. However, consuming cold drinks rapidly might temporarily affect the throat or teeth sensitivity in some individuals, but it won’t lead to shattering or breaking like glass.
Can drinking soft drink have negative impacts on health?
Drinking soft drinks can have negative impacts on health due to their high sugar content and potentially harmful additives. These beverages are often packed with added sugars, which can lead to obesity, and an increased risk of diabetes. Furthermore, consuming sugary drinks excessively links to tooth decay and cavities. The sugar and carbohydrate levels in soft drinks can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, potentially posing risks for individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, soft drinks generally lack essential nutrients and may replace healthier beverage choices, while the caffeine they contain can contribute to dehydration and disrupt sleep patterns if consumed excessively. Some carbonated soft drinks also contain phosphoric acid, which could gradually erode tooth enamel. Apart from nutritional concerns, the presence of artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives in many soft drinks raises potential health considerations. Although moderate intake may not yield severe consequences, habitual and excessive consumption over time may contribute to various health issues.
Dr. Yogesh Tandon states that although there is some limited evidence from animal research indicating potential benefits of consuming cold beverages, he personally discourages it. He emphasises that the negative impact of excessive intake far surpass any possible advantages for the body.
Nabaruna Ganguly, Clinical dietician at D. S. Research Centre for Cancer, says “Consuming soft drinks in moderation doesn’t cause immediate harm. Occasionally enjoying them provides a refreshing and cooling sensation to the body. However, excessive consumption can have negative health effects due to high sugar and calorie content. Balancing occasional indulgence with healthier beverage choices is important for overall well-being.”
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