Water is one of the best healthy drinks, but it may become monotonous over time. For a break and to help reach your daily six to eight cup fluid goal, consider these alternative beverages as alternatives to drinking only water.
Sports drinks are appropriate for athletes looking to replenish electrolytes after exertion, however many contain sugar and high caloric intake.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is widely considered one of the healthiest drinks, thanks to its abundance of vitamin C, potassium and folate. Many brands also come fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
One cup of orange juice provides 100% of your daily vitamin C requirements. Vitamin C helps protect tissues and blood vessels while potassium and folate work to regulate blood pressure and lower risk for heart disease. Orange juice is also full of natural antioxidants including flavonoids such as hesperidin, naringenin and hydroxycinnamic acids – essential components in overall good health.
Due to its high sugar content, orange juice should be consumed with caution. Consuming too much liquid calories may contribute to weight gain for those who are overweight or diabetic as they digest faster than solid foods. Furthermore, its acidity could erode tooth enamel over time if consumed regularly.
Tea
Tea is an antioxidant-rich drink with low calories compared to soda, providing valuable health benefits while being lower cal. While caffeine may increase alertness for some, others may be sensitive to its stimulant properties and opt for decaffeinated tea as an option if they still wish to enjoy its delicious flavors but cannot handle its stimulants.
Green tea is made by steaming unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis plant and fermenting them without fermentation, known for its ability to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol and boost metabolism. Furthermore, L-theanine, an amino acid present in green tea may improve concentration and focus.
Milk and sugar aren’t essential components of enjoying tea, and can add unnecessary calories. If you decide to include these elements, be mindful of how much milk and sugar you use.
Coffee
Coffee’s high sugar content often brings negative associations; however, drinking three to five cups daily could help protect against type 2 diabetes, liver disease and heart disease. Plus it contains magnesium which relaxes blood vessels and lowers cholesterol.
Studies show that those who drink three to five cups of coffee each day may reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes thanks to polyphenols present in coffee, while caffeine consumers were found to be less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease according to one 16 year study.
The guide also highlights beverages with naturally low levels of sugar, such as water; 100% fruit juice; and soy or almond-flavored milks containing important nutrients, which all offer important advantages over sugary drinks linked with obesity and tooth decay, such as artificial sweeteners, added sugars, and empty calories. Instead, choose beverages low in sodium like unsweetened iced tea/coffee/sparkling water/seltzer with citrus slices or fresh herbs as alternatives.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can hinder judgment, slow reaction times and impair coordination. Alcohol has been linked to cardiovascular disease and certain cancers as well as depression and anxiety; its use also increases suicide, accidental injuries and drunk driving risks. Excessive drinking has also been associated with liver diseases, cancers and various health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, pancreatitis and certain mental health disorders.
There is no safe level of drinking, and it is wise to limit how much alcohol you consume. When choosing alcohol beverages, the optimal choices include light beer or wine with water always on hand to combat diuretic properties of alcohol. Many high-quality alcoholic drinks contain antioxidants and other health benefits – just remember moderation! Choosing low-sugar drinks, mixers that do not add additional sugar and premium spirits are great ways to make healthier decisions when selecting drinks to drink.
