Now there is one more reason to stay away from soft drinks, or at least minimize their prominence in your diet. A new health scare erupted over soft drinks last week as evidence surfaced that a popular preservative in most fizzy drinks may cause serious cell damage. Research from a British university suggests this preservative found in drinks such as Fanta and Pepsi Max has the ability to switch off vital parts of DNA. The offending substance is the preservative “sodium benzoate” used for decades to prevent mold from growing in sodas and other packaged liquid drinks and sauces. Take a look at the ingredients in the next Coke or other soda that you pick up. Then take 30 seconds to write down the ingredients that contribute to your health, energy and longevity. It may not even take 30 seconds…Aside from the sugar syrup jolt, caffeine buzz or artificial sweetener side effects, what else is there to most sodas? How many do you drink each week? If it is less than 5 cans, then you have little to be concerned about. How many do your kids drink? Remember, it takes far less soda to adversely affect your child than it does you, especially from a blood sugar standpoint. Incidentally, did you hear that The Coca-Cola Company just agreed to purchase Vitamin Water maker Glaceau (developer of “Smart Water”)in a cash deal valued at $4.1 billion.