10 Unhealthy Beverages To Stop Drinking & 10 That Keep You In Good Shape
Are You Hurting Your Health Without Even Realizing It?
Finding drinks that promote overall health isn’t easy. Some beverages contain hidden preservatives, while others are loaded with calories and artificial ingredients. So, what’s the healthiest way to quench your thirst? Don't worry, we're here to officially remove some of the guesswork. Here are ten beverages to stop drinking if you want to stay healthy, and which ones you should turn to instead.
1. Alcohol
Having a glass or two isn’t the worst thing for you, but excessive drinking is bad news for your health. Liver damage, an increased risk of certain cancers, and weight gain are all downsides to alcohol consumption. So, keep an eye on how much you have.
2. Sugary Sodas
Soda is loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and a bunch of empty calories. The odd can once in a while won’t hurt you, but if you drink soda regularly all you’re doing is making yourself susceptible to type 2 diabetes and dental problems, like cavities or enamel erosion.
3. Energy Drinks
Forget the promise of staying awake—energy drinks are packed with caffeine, sugar, and artificial ingredients that do more harm than good. Excessive consumption has been linked to heartbeat irregularities, high blood pressure, and weight gain. Not to mention, drinking them too much can lead to anxiety or digestive issues.
4. Sports Drinks
Though they’re often packaged as a rehydration solution, sports drinks can contain a ton of sugar, sodium, and artificial additives. While they do help after a good workout session, drink too many of them and you’re looking at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and even gout.
5. High-Calorie Caffeinated Drinks
A cup of joe is a good boost in the morning. However, high-calorie versions like frappuccinos or mochas only pile on sugars, whole milk, or whipped cream, all of which lead to an explosion of calories. In fact, some of these drinks can tip over 1,000 calories!
6. Flavored Water
Sure, it might taste good, but flavoring comes with plenty of sugars and preservatives, and neither of those does any good for your health. Among other things, flavored water can, and will, target your dental health as well, so it’s best not to consume it in excessive amounts.
7. Prepackaged Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, veggies, and protein. However, the prepackaged variety often comes loaded with preservatives, sugar, and artificial flavors. They also lack the fiber and nutrition that a homemade one offers.
8. Sweetened Iced Tea
Do yourself a favor: the next time you reach for sweetened iced tea, have a look at the ingredients first. Bottled or canned iced tea often contains high levels of sugar—drink too many of these and you’ll likely experience weight gain, dental problems, and an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.
Janine from Mililani, Hawaii, United States on Wikimedia
9. Diet Sodas
A healthy alternative to regular soda seems like the diet version, right? Think again. Diet versions don’t come with the same levels of sugar or calories as their regular counterparts, but they do have a ton of additives and sweeteners that also contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular problems.
10. Fruit Juice
We may have all fallen for the OJ propaganda in the '90s, but we know how unhealthy it is by now! Fruit juice often comes loaded with sugar and high calories, but to make matters worse, it also lacks the nutrients and fiber you need to maintain a healthy diet. Long story short, they’re best avoided in large quantities.
That's not to say that you can't drink anything! Let’s have a look at what you should be drinking instead.
1. Water
A no-brainer, water is the stuff of life and one of the healthiest beverages for you! Not only is water calorie-free, it maintains regular bodily functions, promotes healthy digestion, and has added benefits like weight management. It also supports gut health and gives you a decent energy boost during the day.
2. Green Tea
Green tea brings a lot to the table, so there's no point in avoiding it. It’s packed with antioxidants, has been linked to improved heart health, and can even improve brain function. Not to mention, it has a modest amount of caffeine, so you get the best of both worlds.
3. Vegetable Juice
Fresh vegetable juice brings everything fruit juice doesn't: vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants right to your glass. Regular intake of vegetable juice can also improve your digestion, immune function, and promotes healthy skin. It might not be the sweetest, but that's actually a good thing!
4. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that’s chock-full of probiotics. These probiotics significantly support gut health and digestion, making it a solid choice for those looking to stay healthy. It's also great for detoxing and reducing inflammation.
5. Sparkling Water
If you’re itching for flavor or carbonation, sparkling water is a great alternative to the regular flavored stuff. They come infused with a variety of tasty flavors, boast no calories, and aren’t full of hidden sugars. If you're lucky, you might even score limited edition flavors (just try not to get too attached).
6. Low-Fat Milk
Bone health is important at any age, so reach for that carton more often. Filled with vitamins, calcium, and protein, low-fat milk supports bone health and muscle function. Adding it to your diet can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and give you a healthy serving of nutrients.
7. Green Smoothies
Smoothies packed with leafy greens like spinach or kale offer the nutrients and vitamins essential to your health. Add some fruit, water, or low-fat milk in there and you’re on the fast track to boosted energy levels, more vitamins, and increased vegetable intake.
8. Bone Broth
Bone broth is packed with healthy nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals that all help keep your joints and digestion in check. Regular consumption has also been linked to reduced inflammation, so the next time you whip up a good soup, try to keep some broth saved for next time.
9. Tart Cherry Juice
Cherries in general are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that alleviate muscle soreness and joint pain. However, that's all not all it does for you. Drinking tart cherry juice regularly can not only help with these issues, but it also promotes overall health.
Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash
10. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is a soothing herb all on its own, and brewing into a tea only makes it better. You may find that peppermint tea helps with bloating, relieves digestive discomfort, and can even alleviate the symptoms of IBS. If green tea isn't your thing, this is another terrific option.
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