WHAT IS SODASoda is a type of beverage that typically contains water, a sweetener and a flavouring agent. The most basic soda are little more than tap waterinfused with carbondioxide gas and bicarbonate of soda, a stabilizing element that gives the drink its name. Some manufacturers add flavors or other minerals to improve the taste, but it is most often served plain or as a mixer. Examples of popular soda beverages are Pepsi, Sprite and even Coca Cola. History of SodaThe history of soda started all the way back in the late 18th century. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Priestly discovered a method of infusing water with carbon dioxide to make carbonated water by suspending a bowl of distilled water above a beer vat at a local brewery in Leeds, England. His invention of carbonated water (also known as soda water) is the major and defining component of most soft drinks. However, it was only in the later part of the 19th century that soda water was introduced as a popular soft drink.How Soda is MadeSoda beverages are produced by injectingcarbon dioxideinto the drink at a pressure of several atmospheres. Carbon dioxide dissolves readily at normalatmospheric pressure, particularly in cold beverages, but far more so at high pressure and large volumes of gas can be dissolved. When the pressure is released the carbon dioxide comes out of solution forming numerous bubbles and begins releasing the carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. After a few hours most of the carbon dioxide has been released and the drink is said to be "flat".

The chemical phenomenon whereby carbonated drinks taste sharper is due tocarbonic acidinducing a slight burning sensation, and is only indirectly related to the bubblesboth phenomena are caused by the carbonic acid concentration. Salts like sodium bicarbonate are also added to reduce the amount of acidity in the drink. Sodium and other metallic salts are used to neutralise the acidic flavour of the drinks.Effects of Drinking SodaAmongst the side effects of drinking soda are; Obesity Kidney problems Messed-up metabolisms Cell damages Addiction