Best Choice: Water
Water is a vital component of the organism. Dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones are all prevented. Additionally, it is the most calorie-free beverage, which helps maintain a healthy waistline. One to three cups of water added to one’s daily diet may result in the consumption of up to 200 fewer calories, fat, sodium, and sugar. Insufficiently simple? Artificial flavors, pigments, or preservatives may be present in calorie-free flavor drops, which are sweeteners. Alternatively, try a dash of citrus.
Best Choice: Filtered Coffee
Coffee has traditionally had a poor reputation, but recent studies suggest that drinking it may actually lower one’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. As long as you keep the quantity of cream and sugar you put in it to a minimum, drinking three to five cups of coffee every day sounds like it would be good for your health. Before taking a sip, however, you should check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing a child. Percolating your coffee through a paper filter while you brew it can help you bring your cholesterol levels down. Cafestol, a chemical that has the ability to elevate LDL cholesterol, is removed as a result of this process.
Best Choice: Tea
Antioxidants, which are abundant in green, black, and other varieties, may provide protection against cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and excessive blood pressure. In addition, beers that have not been sweetened do not have any calories. Tea that has been made at home is the healthiest option, regardless of whether you take your beverage hot or cold, because it does not have any of the additional sugars that are typically included in bottled tea.
Good Choice: Milk
It is a rich source of essential minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, all of which contribute to the maintenance of strong bones, teeth, and muscles. In addition, the amount of protein in one cup is comparable to that of a large egg. Find alternatives such as skim milk and low-fat versions of your favorite foods to get more nutritious bang for your calorie buck.
Worst: Soft Drinks
They have no vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients and are loaded with an incredible amount of sugar. Drinkers who consume one or two ounces on a daily basis take in a bigger number of calories and may as a result have a higher body mass index. In addition, there is an increased likelihood that you may acquire type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as other health problems.
Worst: Diet Soda
Even while it contains fewer calories than traditional sodas, it might not be the best choice to use as a substitute for those beverages. Diet beverages have been linked to an increased risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes. In addition, some authorities are of the opinion that the body might be tricked into eating more calories when artificial sweeteners are consumed regularly, which can lead to weight gain over time. If, on the other hand, you are making an effort to cut back on your intake of regular soda, switching to diet soda could be a helpful transition aid on the way to water and other healthy options. After you have switched from regular to diet soda, you can make an effort to reduce the amount of diet beverages that you consume on a daily basis.
Better Choice: Sparkling Water
It gives you the feeling of carbonation, but without the calories or artificial sweeteners that you get from drinking soda. However, flavored seltzers that have additional sugar should be avoided at all costs. Also, keep in mind that carbonated water is not to be confused with club soda, which contains sodium, or tonic water, which combines salt and sugar. All of these beverages have their own distinct flavors and uses.
Worst: Energy Drinks
They claim that the boost will come from the product’s high caffeine concentration, which is similar to drinking four to five glasses of coffee, as well as from the product’s other constituents, which include ginseng, guarana, and B vitamins. The majority of them have an unhealthy amount of sugar or other sweeteners. There is a possibility of a temporary increase in attentiveness, however the claims of greater strength and vitality are not supported by the evidence. On the other hand, consuming an excessive amount of calories and caffeine can lead to symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
Sip Sparingly: Fruit Juice
The vast majority of the vitamins included in the original produce are preserved in juice that is 100% pure. On the other hand, each and every fiber is absent. In its absence, the major component found in juice is fructose, which is the sugar that is naturally present in it. This causes an increase in calorie consumption without contributing to a feeling of fullness. A cup of juice that does not contain any additional sugar can be used for breakfast or as a refreshment; nevertheless, it is recommended that both children and adults consume fruit in its full form and restrict their consumption of juice. If you simply want to appreciate the flavor, add one or two splashes to a glass of water and stir it up. Stay away from juices that are sweetened with sugar.
Sip Sparingly: Smoothies
Smoothies could be a useful alternative for those who find it difficult to consume a suitable amount of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. They have the vitamins and fiber that are found in the components that make up their whole. On the other hand, a product with a more traditional distribution channel has around 400 calories and 75 grams of sugar. Make them at home and use a little amount of toppings that include added sugar, such as flavored yogurt, honey, or agave, to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Sip Sparingly: Sports Drinks
These drinks are ideal for athletes who need to rehydrate themselves after a difficult workout because they contain sugar and electrolytes. The workout itself must be rather intense. On the other hand, you shouldn’t drink any of these beverages until after you’ve finished your workout, which should take about an hour. A number of them have roughly the same amount of sugar as a single can of soda. To completely replenish itself, your body needs nothing more than water.
Read Also: 10 Healthy Drinks You’re Not Drinking—Yet!