Healthy drinks offer a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants without sugar rush or caffeine-induced jitters; in addition, they hydrate and provide essential electrolytes.
Respondents were asked about what restricted their willingness to pay for healthy beverages at hospitality businesses, citing price and taste as two primary barriers. The tables below show their responses in more detail.
Water
Water is an effective way to stay hydrated, replenishing fluids lost through sweating, using the bathroom, breathing, or any other means. There are also plenty of delicious drinks that are low-cal or sugar-free – try seltzer water topped with slices of fruit or lemon slices or green tea with honey added for an energizing drink that provides nutrients like calcium and potassium which may help prevent osteoporosis and joint pain.
As water remains the best way to stay hydrated, other beverages that provide nutrition without added sugars and unhealthy additives may still help you meet your daily fluid requirement. Just watch out for high-calorie drinks that offer temporary energy boosts but cause overeating later; such beverages could even raise blood pressure, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke; excessive caffeine may increase heart rate and make you anxious or restless.
Tea
All teas – black, green, oolong or white-are rich sources of plant compounds known as polyphenols that may help lower risk for heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular consumption may reduce this risk.
Switching out high-calorie drinks like sugary soda for lower calorie beverages such as tea and coffee can dramatically decrease daily calorie consumption. Beware flavored or “detox” teas sold for fad diets- they contain extra sugar and artificial ingredients that could increase daily caloric intake.
Consuming enough water and healthy teas provides your body with important nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Drinks rich in vitamin C such as lemonade or guava juice can also provide protection from dehydration while aiding wound healing processes and helping ward off scurvy (which causes bleeding gums).
Fruit juice
Drinking juice as part of a healthy diet may provide essential vitamins A and C, along with potassium which is great for cardiovascular health. Some juices (notably pomegranate juice) even contain polyphenol antioxidants to combat inflammation.
But be wary: fruit juice can contain high amounts of sugar, increasing blood glucose levels and potentially leading to type 2 diabetes. In addition, its caloric intake could prove dangerous; thus it’s best to consume juice with caution and in moderation.
When purchasing juice, always opt for products labeled “100 percent fruit juice”, and avoid those containing added sugar or concentrated fruits. Furthermore, pasteurised varieties should always be preferred over fresh squeezed as these could easily breed bacteria that could prove hazardous to health.
Coffee
Coffee offers numerous health advantages that go far beyond its addictive caffeine kick, including lower risk for heart disease and cancers such as prostate and colorectal. Coffee also boasts many antioxidants which may promote gut health while supporting growth of beneficial bacteria.
Coffee beverages with added sugar, whipped cream and milk can quickly add up in calories and fat content. To reduce fat and calorie consumption opt for a flat white or latte instead of a cappuccino for maximum savings in both fat and calories.
Noncaloric sweetened beverages such as tea, coffee and fruit juice can be part of a nutritious diet; just remember the recommended maximum daily caffeine consumption limit of 400 milligrams.
