Antibiotic had been hailed as a superdrug ever since its discovery, and had improved the numerous lifestyles and saved the countless diseased. But what on earth are we doing with it?

How it works

Antibiotics deal exclusively with bacteria. If you have a flu instead of a cold, for example, antibiotic will have no effects on your stuffy nose. Antibiotics is often misused, which can lead to unnecessary proliferation of superbugs—the antibiotic resistant bacteria that may cause future illnesses that are harder to treat. Although antibiotics are great, they would do more harm than good if they are generously dosed on everything. [Continue reading to find out about what antibiotics can or cannot cure and what you should do when sick.] Read the rest of this entry »

Dubiousity: doubtful

The major carcinogenic suspect of most soft drinks is benzene, which is a byproduct of the salts of benzoic acid (sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, or calcium benzoate) combining with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

While citric acid does not contribute significantly to the production of benzene, evidences suggests that the presence of citric acid accelerates the process. Heating, such as exposure to sunlight, also creates benzene. Diet and sugar-free soft drinks are considered more at risk because sugar has been found to inhibit the formation of benzene.
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