The article discusses five drinks commonly perceived as healthy options—coconut water, vitamin-enriched water, green smoothies, isotonic sports drinks, and kombucha—highlighting their actual benefits and misconceptions. While they may offer some nutritional value, nutritionist Dr. Joanna McMillan emphasizes that they don’t necessarily hydrate better than water and can contain hidden sugars. She advises relying on whole foods for nutrients and cautioning against overestimating the health benefits of these trendy beverages.
Water remains the ultimate choice for staying hydrated. However, for those seeking more flavor, many tend to opt for alternatives perceived as healthier and more enjoyable than plain water. Unfortunately, not all of these trendy beverages live up to their health claims.
Five Drinks Misunderstood as Healthy
Coconut Water
Coconut water is popular, yet it shouldn’t be your go-to for health perks unless you enjoy the flavor. It does possess a few positive attributes—being all-natural, relatively low in sugar, and rich in potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. Nevertheless, the common notion that coconut water hydrates better than regular water is misleading. ‘For hydration, we primarily need water,’ explains nutrition expert Dr. Joanna McMillan.
Vitamin-Infused Water
With growing trends towards low-fat and low-carb diets, protein has gained popularity, leading to the rise of protein water. Generally featuring whey protein, this beverage is marketed for its easy digestibility. A serving can offer about 20-30 grams of protein, which sounds appealing but is often unnecessary, as whole foods can easily meet your protein needs. Dr. McMillan also critiques vitamin water, pointing out that while it includes vitamins, it often has added sugars or caffeine. ‘Vitamins from water aren’t needed,’ she states, recommending that individuals opt for specific supplements or obtain vitamins through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Green Smoothies
‘Be cautious with green juices,’ warns McMillan. Many bottled green juices are predominantly fruit juice and can contain more sugar than soda. She advises opting for smoothies instead to retain the fiber found in pulp. Always check the ingredients; vegetables should be listed first, and there should be no added sugars.
Isotonic Sports Drinks
Isotonic drinks are essential for endurance athletes during events like marathons or in sweltering conditions. For the average person, however, these drinks are typically unnecessary. The electrolytes may not be needed, and the sugars often convert to fat rather than being utilized for immediate energy. ‘These beverages are not ideal for a quick energy boost in the afternoon,’ notes McMillan.
Kombucha and Kvass
Kombucha has surged in popularity recently, often marketed as a health-enhancing probiotic drink. Despite this, Dr. Joanna McMillan suggests that many bottled versions contain fewer live bacteria than tap water, undermining their probiotic claims. Additionally, scientific evidence on the efficacy of probiotics for healthy individuals remains inconclusive. While the health benefits may not be as significant as advertised, opting for these drinks instead of sodas or fruit juices is still a positive choice. However, always scrutinize the nutritional information, as some versions can be quite sugary.
Further Insights on Health
This content originally appeared on FITFORFUN.