Coke or Pepsi? It is an age old controversy and will go on for ages! Ads supporting each brand will appear and disappear! But none of them will mention the ill effects of soda in any form, whether any fizzy drink or its diet drink version. Intake of soda has been linked to bone loss and osteoporosis. Many of us are aware of this fact, but we are still embracing it just like a "sodaholic"! Pizzas won't go beyond our throat into our food pipe without drops of these colas! If thirst is what bothers you, then there are several alternatives available and these can be real "excitement" to your taste buds as well!
Here goes the list:
- Green Tea: It comes with several flavors and variety. Green tea, when consumed chilled, serves as a good replacement for soda. It is not only comparatively less in calories, but has several health benefits as well. Researchers believe that green tea helps in conditions like cancer, heart diseases, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Its excellent antioxidant properties help in relieving stress. Add a bit of honey instead of sugar to enjoy it to the core!
- Low Fat Milk/Soy Milk: If you have been a regular soda/carbonated beverage drinker, then there is a chance that you may suffer from calcium deficiency. Some studies on cola drinks have suggested that the high phosphate level of such drinks leads to calcium resorption from the bone, causing calcium deficiency and decreasing the bone mass index. Hence the intake of high calcium skimmed milk and soya milk will be beneficial in cooling you while restoring the calcium level at the same time. Milk also provides good quality protein, riboflavin and certain vital minerals, and hence it is much better and healthier than any cola drink!
- Fresh Fruit Coolers: Some fresh juicy fruits blended with ice will make a good summer treat and will refresh you up from the head to the toe. Fruits are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but they contain the natural sugar that provides instant energy and antioxidants to fight your stress. Nothing can really be more soothing then these fresh refreshments.
- Coffee: Coffee has always been a favorite drink to many people. It is healthy when taken in limited amounts (up to 2 cups a day). and healthier when combined with skimmed milk and low amounts of sugar. Coffee not only helps in preventing cavities in teeth but it also has a laxative and a diuretic effect. It has also been found to be anti-diabetic, anti-gout and anti-asthmatic. If you find ways to reduce calories in your cup of coffee, then it may bring some good health effect. But again, you must stay away from over consumption.
- Iced Tea: The usual sugary iced teas that you buy at joints aren't really healthy! But you can definitely make some healthy iced tea at home. Just keep the sugar content low or use a natural sweetener like honey, and blend in your favorite flavors like lemon, peach, mint, cinnamon or vanilla. Black and green teas have flavonoids and antioxidants which boost health.
- Wine: Red wine has been in news for some time now due to its reported health benefits. Red wine, when consumed in limitation, (one peg for women and two pegs for men, according to the National Institute of Health) has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer.
- Vegetable Juices and Broths: How nice it will be if you can just drink your favorite vegetable up! You can make low sodium juices and broths out of your favorite veggies and enjoy all the goodies in it without having to chew them. These vegetables are not only rich in fiber but they also have several vitamins and minerals.
- Water: The Harvard school of Public Health states that plain water is the healthiest drink. It keeps you hydrated and helps in flushing out all the toxins from your body. It not only maintains the pH in blood but also retains the electrolyte balance in the body.
Ads on various frizzy drinks are meant to offer you a warm welcome! It's business after all! But at the end of the day, you will find the maximum satisfaction in a glass of plain water! Going down to the basics may benefit you sometimes!
