Choose Your Beverages Carefully

Choose Your Beverages Carefully

“Most of us don’t realize that some drinks do nothing to satiate our appetite but only help in heaping on unwanted calories”

Several chronic and lifestyle ailments like diabetes, stroke, dementia, obesity, cancer, heart disease and thinning bones, worries us the most. But it may be surprising to know that these all diseases are more often linked to the beverages we drink or don’t drink! Various popular beverages we consume contribute to an expanding waistline and weight problems

Thus, a panel of experts on nutrition and health have rated a few common drinks and beverages according to the benefits they otter. And not surprisingly, water tops the list because besides the enormous benefits it otters, water is the only drink which does not have any calories or health hazards associated with it.

Sweetened Beverages

There has been a huge increase in the intake of sugar added beverages and other soft drinks in recent times and an ample amount of calories we consume per day come from these drinks. However, most of us don’t realize that some drinks do nothing to satiate our appetite, but only help in heaping on unwanted calories.

Furthermore, some sweetened drinks contribute to other health problems. The carbonated beverages harm tooth enamel and studies have also linked cola consumption with thinning of hip bones in women.

Coffee Tea And Caffeine

Regular coffee consumption is found to be good, as it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. If taken in a limited amount (400 milligrams) a day, caffeine does not create any health problems. But pregnant women should cut down coffee consumption to 300 milligrams a day, because it raises the chances of low birth weight.

Tea on the other hand may help prevent kidney stones and lowers the risk of cancer, as it was experimented on animals. But its effect on humans is not known yet. However, the consumption of black tea helps arteries expand, resulting in improved blood circulation to the heart.

Alcohol

A little may be okay, but not a lot. Moderate consumption of alcohol is linked to many health benefits like regulation of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and reduced risk of gallstones. But in some conditions, like pregnancy, women should avoid the intake of alcohol, even in a moderate amount.

Dairy And Soy Drinks

Milk is good for bone density and the regular consumption of milk fulfills the need of calcium and vitamin D, required by the bones. Milk also include some essential nutrients needed by the body like vitamin A, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, riboflavin and protein.

A study also reveals that people who consume milk regularly, are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Thus, milk is a good replacement for teenagers and children, instead of sweetened beverages. Soy milk is also a good alternative for those who don’t prefer cow milk.

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