This could eventually lead to diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's.

When a UK professor of molecular biology and biotechnology tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells, he discovered that it was damaging important DNA in the cells' mitochondria.

Mitochondria serve as the "power stations" for cells, and damage to them can lead to serious cell malfunctions associated with aging and age-related disease. The damage caused by sodium benzoate was great enough to cause the mitochondria to stop functioning.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

I am still shocked every time I reflect on the fact that the number one source of calories in America comes from soda. To me it is an absolutely mind-boggling fact. Of course, all I have to do to knock my senses back to reality is go to a standard grocery store on a busy weekend and see what people are stuffing in their shopping carts.

We clearly have a long way to go to share even the most fundamental, basic nutrition concepts to the typical highly deceived and manipulated consumer. This new danger from sodium benzoate is simply one among many, as sodas are among the worst possible "foods" you can consume.

Professor Peter Piper, the UK expert who discovered the problem, says that the soft drink preservative can "totally inactivate" and "knock out" cells' mitochondria. The end result is an increased risk of a slew of diseases.

Sodium benzoate has previously also come under fire because, when combined with the vitamin C in many soft drinks, it forms benzene, a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia. In one study, at least five brands of soft drinks were found to contain excessive benzene levels.

Sodium benzoate is used freely in the United States and the UK. Fortunately, you can protect your health from this dangerous substance by not drinking soda (and not allowing your kids to either).

This is one of the easiest -- and most significant -- things you can do for your health; and aside from the good news that you won't have to worry about damaging your DNA, giving up soda (if you drink it) can reduce your risk of diabetes, obesity, and cancer. If you struggle with an addiction to soda, I strongly recommend you consider Turbo Tapping as a simple yet highly effective tool to help you stop this health-sucking habit.

So put down the can of soda, and pick up a glass of clean water instead.

Related Articles:

The Amazing Statistics and Dangers of Soda Pop

Soda Causing Nutritional Deficiencies in Children

One Soda a Day Increases Diabetes Risk 85 Percent