President Donald Trump holds some unconventional views regarding soft drinks, even by his own unique standards.
He believes that soft drinks possess the ability to kill cancer cells within the body, which is why he consumes them so frequently. His fondness for these fizzy beverages is so pronounced that he even had a special button installed in his desk in the White House to summon an aide for his beloved Diet Coca-Cola at any moment.
This intriguing information comes from TV personality and current Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Mehmet “Dr. Oz” Oz, who disclosed these details during a podcast hosted by Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
“Then comes the diet soda pops, which your dad argues that diet soda is good for him because it kills grass [when] it’s poured on grass, so therefore, it must kill cancer cells inside the body,” Oz recounted to Trump Jr.
Oz shared a memory of being aboard Air Force One and feeling dismayed upon seeing the president sipping an orange soft drink.
“So he starts to sheepishly grin,” Oz recalled. “He goes, ‘You know, this stuff is good for me, it kills cancer cells.’ And then he tells me, ‘It’s fresh squeezed, so how bad could it be for you?’”
For the record, orange soda is not “fresh squeezed.” More importantly, soda consumption is linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Even diet soda might not be a safe alternative, as some studies suggest that sugar-free versions can contribute to weight gain and may disrupt insulin response.
Historically, Coca-Cola was once marketed as a medicinal tonic in the 19th century; pharmacist John Pemberton created the beverage in 1863, promoting it as a brain booster and an alternative to alcohol. Such claims have since been discredited, and studies have found soda to be associated with impulsive behavior and impaired memory.
However, Trump’s tendency to disregard expert opinions is well-documented. His administration has been characterized by individuals holding various controversial and unproven health beliefs. For instance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has advocated misguided views on vaccines, while Oz has faced criticism for endorsing unverified claims regarding weight loss supplements.
Ultimately, Trump’s craving for soft drinks fits seamlessly into his lifestyle, which also includes a well-known preference for fast food.
More on soda: Kids Who Drink Lots of Soda Found to Show More Impulsive Behavior, Worse Working Memory
Key Takeaways
- Trump believes soft drinks can kill cancer cells, leading to his frequent consumption.
- Dr. Oz shared these views during a podcast with Donald Trump Jr.
- Orange soda is not a “fresh squeezed” drink, contrary to Trump’s claims.
- Soda can lead to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes.
- Historical claims of soda as a medicinal product have been debunked.
- Trump’s disregard for expert advice is a recurring theme in his administration.
FAQ
What health issues are associated with soda consumption?
Soda consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Is diet soda a healthier alternative to regular soda?
Some studies indicate that diet soda may still contribute to weight gain and disrupt insulin responses.
Who created Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola was invented by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1863 and was initially marketed as a medicinal tonic.
Does soda have any historical claims to health benefits?
Initially marketed as a brain tonic, such claims have been thoroughly debunked by modern research.
What is Dr. Oz’s involvement in diet and health discussions?
Dr. Oz has been both praised and criticized for his health advice, including claims about various diet supplements.
