Breaking the Illusion of Healthy Drinks

There is only one truly healthy drink in the world: water! Despite this, marketing and promotions from big corporations have convinced us that other drinks can keep us healthy. The market is filled with so-called ‘healthy drinks,’ often packaged in shiny wrappers with all kinds of certifications and nutritional values. However, most of these drinks aren’t genuinely healthy, as they often contain carbonic acids, unnecessary stimulants, and harmful chemicals like food colorings and preservatives.

Let's take a closer look at some popular drinks to see if they are truly healthy or not.

Organic Drinks (Different Types of Teas and Fruit Drinks)

Tea/Green Tea
Organic tea is a good source of antioxidants like Tannin, along with Nicotine, which makes you crave it more. However, the nicotine in tea is usually not as high as the caffeine in coffee, making it less addictive. Drinking organic tea without sugar and milk is good for health. Green tea is an even better source of antioxidants, which have anti-aging properties that control free radicals and help you look younger. However, as an organic source, it takes time to notice changes.

Verdict – Must Try

Coffee
Rich in caffeine and antioxidants, coffee is a favorite for many. It's often the first thing people reach for in the morning or at the office. However, coffee is only beneficial when consumed without additives like cream and sugar. Overconsumption should also be avoided due to its high nicotine content, which is highly addictive.

Verdict – Must Try

Kombucha
A fermented drink that has gained popularity, kombucha has an acquired taste but does offer certain health benefits. It is a fermented tea containing natural probiotics that improve gut health. However, it's important to check the brand/source to ensure you aren't consuming any artificial additives.

Verdict – Give it a Shot

Packaged Fruit Juices
Many packaged fruit juices contain a lot of refined sugars—sometimes as much as 12%. They also lack fiber or pulp from the real fruit. While extracting fresh fruit juices at home is better, they still lose some nutritional value. A better alternative is to eat the whole fruit or enjoy fresh coconut water, which is alkaline and great for kidney health.

Verdict – Stay Away

Vegetable Juices
Vegetable juices are not necessarily recommended for everyone. Doctors usually prescribe them to individuals with vitamin/mineral deficiencies or specific health disorders like diabetes. You can try them if you wish, but be cautious, as juices are concentrated and may supply excess minerals to your body.

Verdict – Give It a Try

Smoothies
Smoothies are beneficial if made at home. They contain the goodness of fruits and are delicious. Just avoid adding refined sugars to keep them healthy.

Verdict – Must Try

Artificial Substance-Based Drinks (Caffeinated and Sugary Drinks)

Bottled Iced Tea
While bottled iced tea is made from organic green tea, it is often high in refined sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It’s okay to indulge occasionally, but don’t expect any health benefits.

Verdict – Stay Away

Fizzy Drinks
Fizzy drinks are among the worst options. They contain carbonic acid, high caffeine, excessive sugars, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Regular consumption can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, kidney stones, palpitations, and obesity.

Verdict – Stay Away

Energy Drinks
Most energy drinks, even if not fizzy, contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar to provide a quick energy boost. These can disrupt your metabolism and blood pressure. Sugar-free variants often contain artificial sweeteners, which are carcinogenic.

Verdict – Stay Away

My advice? Stick to organic and homemade drinks and keep a safe distance from processed ones. Also, make sure to drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily, as it's the best thing nature has given us. It keeps us hydrated, maintains skin moisture, controls blood pressure, and boosts metabolism.