Best Beverages to Quench Your Thirst!
There are a lot of summer drinks to choose from--but are your choices the healthiest bet?
Take the Fact or Fiction Quiz to see how your beverages “measure-up.”
Fact or Fiction: I need sports drinks to replace electrolytes.
Fiction: Only if you are engaging in more than 1-hour of vigorous exercise.
Fact or Fiction: 100% fruit drinks are better than sugar sweetened drinks.
Fact: Yes-if you have to choose between the two.
100% fruit drinks may have fewer additives. But . . . many times both products have similar amounts of calories. Oftentimes the sugar content (whether it’s natural or added) is the same as soda.
Fact or Fiction: Water is boring—I can drink fitness water instead.
Fact: Fitness waters can add variety.
In order to stay hydrated, most individuals require only water. However, many fitness waters provide extra flavor without excess calories and sodium. Check the label and try alternating with plain water.
Fact or Fiction: Drinks that promote immunity, digestion, and energy are harmless.
Fiction: Health experts are concerned these “functional beverages.”
A functional drink is one advertising health benefits with ingredients such as caffeine, green tea, ginkgo biloba, ginger, and vitamin C. Many of the additives—including caffeine—haven’t been studied for safety, dosage, or health benefits. These drinks are often pricey and loaded with sugar.
In Summary: Go for hydration—plain water is best. You can add a little flavor here—and—there with lemon and low calorie beverages. Always check the back label for calories, sodium, and drinks with a lot of extras. And that’s a FACT!
Angela Lee, DHEC Dietetic Intern
Check out these resources for more information:
Mayo Clinic: “How Much Water?”
CDC: Rethink your Drink