When you see warning labels on household products such as bleach that read “Warning: Do not ingest - harmful to your health” you probably would not drink the solution. What would you do if you saw a similar warning on your favorite can of soda pop? Would you still drink it? Would you let your children drink it?

You may see such a warning in the future, if the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is successful in their lobbying efforts. CSPI is pushing to have obesity warning labels on soda cans, much the same as the surgeon general’s warning on cigarette packages.

The concern is not unfounded. Sweetened soft drinks are the only specific food that is directly linked to weight gain by clinical studies. Soda is not only very high in calories, but it has no nutritional value and induces hunger which leads to overeating. It is the ultimate junk food, not so fondly referred to as “liquid candy.”

Over the last thirty years, obesity rates have doubled in adults and tripled in teenagers. Is it only a coincidence that soda consumption has increased at a level that closely mirrors the rising obesity rates? Before reaching for that next soda, you may want to make a healthier choice. Your decision may just save yourself or your child from the consequences of obesity.

Adding vodka to your strawberry and blackberry drink boosts the antioxidant nutrients according to Dr. Korakot Chanjirakul from the Kasetsart University in Thailand and scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

While researching methods to help keep the berries fresh during storage, it was discovered that the addition of ethanol (the type of alcohol found in rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits) increased the antioxidant capacity and free radical activity. Antioxidants are believed to help cancel out the cell-damaging effects of free radicals.

According to their report in the Science of Food and Agriculture, adding a splash of alcohol to any colored fruit might make it even more healthful.

No word on whether or not they are looking for participants to do further research.