What Drink is Healthier Than Water?
There is a very strong belief that water is the healthiest drink you can drink. This is because drinking water is the best way to get rid of toxins and other unwanted things that could be damaging your body. However, there are plenty of other healthier options out there that you should consider.
Flavored sparkling water
If you’re looking for a tasty, low calorie, zero carbs beverage, sparkling water may be just the ticket. It can help you kick your soda habit and is a healthier alternative to fizzy beverages. And, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s a good way to keep your hydration levels up.
Sparkling water is made by pressing carbon dioxide into water. This process changes the taste of the drink, but also increases its calorie count. While this isn’t a bad thing, it might be a little unsatisfying for some.
Some sparkling waters contain sweeteners, though. These can be beneficial, but they can also cause digestive problems. Ideally, you should look for a flavored, unsweetened seltzer.
Flavored sparkling water is a fun way to hydrate without adding sugar or calories. You can buy a bottle in several different sizes, and some brands offer a wide range of flavors. For a small cost, you can buy a pack of 12 bottles and taste a variety of flavors.
The best part is that most sparkling water is actually calorie free. To be sure, check the nutrition facts label. Make sure you don’t consume more than the suggested number of servings.
Fruit juice
There is a lot of talk about whether or not fruit juice is better than water. While there are many health organizations that are calling for us to reduce our sugar intake, the question remains. Which is more healthy?
Aside from its obvious benefits, the water and juice are both effective ways to keep your body hydrated. Water helps to regulate your body temperature, flush away toxins, and cushion your joints. Fruit juices are also good for you because they contain vitamins and minerals.
Juice is also a convenient source of potassium. This mineral has been linked to lower blood pressure and is helpful in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. However, if you don’t drink the right kind of juice, you may not get all the benefits.
Another interesting fact is that drinking fruit juice can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although there is no concrete proof, the study has found that people who drank 250 mL of natural fruit juices daily were 8% less likely to develop the disease than those who didn’t.
Fruit juice is also known to provide phytonutrients, which have been shown to help prevent chronic diseases. It’s important to choose juice that is whole or unsweetened to get all of the beneficial effects.
Unsweetened milk
If you are looking to lower your sugar intake, you might consider using unsweetened milk. However, you should keep in mind that many plant-based alternatives are sweetened with cane sugar or other ingredients. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them in savory recipes.
Many people drink cow’s milk because of its high nutritional value. It contains protein and calcium, both of which are important for bone health. In addition, it has low calories.
Some people choose to use alternative milks, which are based on plant-based grains or legumes. These milks are not all high in calcium, though.
While some alternative milks are fortified with vitamins, such as B12, you’ll need to watch out for additives like carrageenan. This ingredient is linked to intestinal inflammation. You also need to be careful when choosing coconut milk.
Another alternative is oat milk. This type of milk boasts a higher fiber content than most plant-based alternatives. And while it does contain some carbohydrates, it’s usually less than you’ll find in almond or soy milk.
Unsweetened options are the best choice for those who want to cut back on sugar. A cup of 2% cow’s milk has 12.3 grams of sugar, whereas a cup of unsweetened soy milk has just 2 grams of net carbs.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented beverage that contains live bacteria and yeast. It is also a rich source of B vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, it can be a good source of minerals, including potassium and manganese.
However, kombucha should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much of it can lead to weight gain, diabetes and other health problems. Besides, it is loaded with sugar and artificial additives.
There is some evidence that kombucha can lower cholesterol. But studies are mixed.
One study found that kombucha can reduce inflammation and may help alleviate depression. Another found that kombucha may prevent liver damage. And yet another found that kombucha can lower blood sugar levels.
A study from China reported that kombucha helps manage type 2 diabetes in animals. Studies have found that kombucha can reduce liver and kidney inflammation, and it might even boost the immune system.
The lactic acid and glucuronic acid produced during the fermentation process may have antimicrobial effects. Additionally, the organic acids produce a tart flavor that gives kombucha its distinctive taste.
Probiotics are thought to support digestion and improve gut health. Many foods that go through natural fermentation are rich in probiotics.
However, kombucha contains alcohol, so pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid drinking it. Also, it is not recommended for people who have GI discomfort or allergies.
Tonic water
If you are planning a cocktail party, tonic water might just be the mixer you are looking for. However, it has a lot of nutritional issues. The calorie count can be very high, and it’s not a drink you should consume daily.
Historically, tonic water was used as a medicinal drink. It was made from a bitter compound called quinine that is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree. A small amount of the drug is safe, but larger doses can be harmful.
In modern times, tonic water has been combined with sugar and other sweeteners. This has resulted in a very high calorie count and no real nutritional value. Nevertheless, it’s still a popular mixer. You can get the same benefits from a glass of sparkling water instead.
Some studies have linked the use of artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of diabetes. There is also evidence that they can promote weight gain. So it’s important to make sure that the sweetener you choose is safe.
If you’re on a diet, tonic water may not be the best option. Although a few brands are marketed as being low calorie, they still contain significant amounts of sugar.
Green tea
If you are a fan of drinking green tea, then you might be wondering how it can boost your overall health. It has been shown to decrease the risk of many types of cancer, improve heart health, and even boost your brainpower.
Green tea is known to boost energy and mood. It also reduces stress, which can be useful in combating a wide range of ailments. In addition, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, decrease cholesterol, and regulate triglyceride levels. However, you should be careful when it comes to drinking too much.
The benefits of drinking green tea are largely due to the bioactive compounds it contains. These include caffeine and antioxidants. Both are important for our bodies. While caffeine increases energy and memory, catechins are known for their cancer-fighting and bacteria-killing capabilities.
Some of the health benefits of green tea are similar to those of coffee, such as its ability to increase fat burning and boost metabolism. Other benefits include improved blood flow, a lower cholesterol level, and a reduction in high blood pressure.
Drinking too much green tea is not recommended, however. Overconsumption can lead to side effects, such as constipation, stomach pain, and liver disease. You should not drink more than six cups of tea a day.
Coconut water
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, then coconut water might be just what you’re looking for. It’s packed with valuable nutrients, and offers many health benefits.
Coconut water is a great source of potassium. This mineral helps to regulate your fluid intake, and reduces blood pressure. Potassium also aids in muscle contraction.
Coconut water is also packed with antioxidants. These anti-oxidants help to neutralize free radicals. Antioxidants are also important for your cardiovascular system. They can help lower your risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Another benefit of coconut water is that it’s low in calories. One cup of unflavored coconut water contains 46 calories. In addition, it has 2.6 grams of fiber. Considering that most beverages contain lots of sugar, it’s a very good choice for those who want to cut back.
Other studies have found that coconut water can help keep cholesterol levels under control. Coconut water may also be useful for rehydration after an illness or diarrhea.
A study conducted on rats with kidney stones showed that coconut water prevented crystals from sticking to the urinary tract. The researchers also noted that the rats’ sphincters functioned more effectively after consuming coconut water.
