Key Takeaways
- • Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, said on the Equity Mates Investing podcast that Warren Buffett, 96, has not had water in 48 years, instead ordering Cherry Coke at a dinner.
- • Glen Arnold's book "The Deals of Warren Buffett Volume 2: The Making of a Billionaire" reports that Buffett drank five cans of Coke a day.
- • Aster RV Hospital clinical nutritionist Aditi Prasad Apte warns that daily sugary soft drink consumption carries risks including weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and kidney stones.
- • Health risks are greater for older adults, who may have a reduced sense of thirst and be less likely to recognise dehydration.
Summary
Bill Ackman, founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, recounted a dinner anecdote with Warren Buffett during an appearance on the Equity Mates Investing podcast. According to Ackman, when offered still or sparkling water, Buffett declined and asked for a Cherry Coke. Ackman said he had stocked up on the beverage in advance, knowing it was Buffett's favourite. When Ackman asked whether Buffett drank water at all, Buffett replied, "Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years." The account was also reported by MoneyWise.com.
British author Glen Arnold, in "The Deals of Warren Buffett Volume 2: The Making of a Billionaire," wrote that Buffett drank five cans of Coke a day, according to the report.
The Indian Express asked Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, to assess the habit. She said that drinking five cans of soft drink daily instead of water is not a healthy long-term practice, even when a person feels well. Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar, caffeine and additives without the benefits of plain water, and can raise calorie intake without promoting fullness. Over time, she said, this can contribute to weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and elevated triglycerides. She also cited tooth decay from sugar and enamel erosion from acidity, and an association between regular sugary drink consumption and kidney stones. Excessive caffeine may cause disturbed sleep, acidity, restlessness and palpitations in some people.
Apte said these risks may be greater for older adults and people with diabetes, high blood pressure or existing kidney problems, noting that thirst sensation declines with age. She added that individual fluid requirements vary by age, activity, climate and medical conditions. The article notes that it is based on public domain information and expert input, and advises consulting a health practitioner before starting any routine.
British author Glen Arnold, in "The Deals of Warren Buffett Volume 2: The Making of a Billionaire," wrote that Buffett drank five cans of Coke a day, according to the report.
The Indian Express asked Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, to assess the habit. She said that drinking five cans of soft drink daily instead of water is not a healthy long-term practice, even when a person feels well. Soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar, caffeine and additives without the benefits of plain water, and can raise calorie intake without promoting fullness. Over time, she said, this can contribute to weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and elevated triglycerides. She also cited tooth decay from sugar and enamel erosion from acidity, and an association between regular sugary drink consumption and kidney stones. Excessive caffeine may cause disturbed sleep, acidity, restlessness and palpitations in some people.
Apte said these risks may be greater for older adults and people with diabetes, high blood pressure or existing kidney problems, noting that thirst sensation declines with age. She added that individual fluid requirements vary by age, activity, climate and medical conditions. The article notes that it is based on public domain information and expert input, and advises consulting a health practitioner before starting any routine.
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