Here’s another reason to drop the soda. Carbonated beverages have been linked to heart attacks in a study out of Japan.

In findings presented this week at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology, researchers from Fukuoka University in Japan who tracked nearly 800,000 people found those who regularly drank sodas and other carbonated drinks were far more likely to suffer heart attacks.

"Carbonated beverage consumption was significantly and positively associated with OHCA [out-of-hospital cardiac arrests] in Japan, indicating that beverage habits may have an impact on fatal CVD [cardiovascular disease]," said lead researcher Keijiro Saku. "The acid in carbonated beverages might play an important role in this association.

"Our data on carbonated beverage consumption is based on expenditure and the association with OHCA is not causal. But the findings do indicate that limiting consumption of carbonated beverages could be beneficial for health."

The researchers also found individuals who drink green tea and coffee had a reduced the risk and mortality from heart disease.

Saku noted other research has also linked soda to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, which also contribute to heart disease.