Soda is one of the most consumed drinks in the world and is responsible for billions of dollars in sales each year. It is also a major contributor to the increase in obesity, diabetes, and other health problems in the world. No wonder many soda alternatives have been introduced to help people cut down on their soda consumption. With this article, we take a look at some healthy alternatives to soda and sugary drinks.
What Are The Health Risks Associated With Soda And Sugary Drinks?
Before we look at the healthy alternatives to soda and sugary drinks, let's consider some of the health problems soda can pose to anyone who forms the habit of taking them:
- Soda and Sugary Drinks Are a Major Contributor to The Obesity Epidemic
- Soda and Sugary Drinks Increase Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- They Lead to Fatty Liver Disease
- Sugary drinks And Soda Cause Insulin Resistance And Metabolic Problems
- Sugary Drinks And Soda Could Be The Reason You Have High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
- Drinking Soda Can Lead to Kidney Stones
- Sugary Drinks Can Cause Tooth Decay And Cavities
- Drinking Sugary Beverages Can Affect Your Memory
- Drinking Sugary Beverages And Soda Could Up Your Gout Risk
- Sugary Drinks Are Associated With Cancer, Particularly Colorectal Cancer
- Sugary Drinks Are Associated With Early Puberty In Girls
Related Topic: 11 Health Risks Associated With Soda And Other Sugary Drinks
What Are The Healthy Alternatives to Soda And Sugary Drinks?
There are several healthy alternatives to soda and sugary drinks. Here are some ideas:
1. Water
Water is the best beverage option available. It's calorie-free and helps prevent dehydration, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and weakness. Water is also cheap and easy to find at any grocery store or convenience store.
2. Water With Lemon or Lime Juice
If you don't like plain water, add some fruit juice for flavour if you need something sweet. try adding fresh fruit slices or cucumbers for flavor without any extra calories or sugar.
3. 100% Homemade Smoothie
100% homemade smoothie contains vitamins and minerals but also has about 20 grams of sugar per cup — almost as much as in an 8-ounce can of Coke.
You Can Also Read: Diet Plans: The Best Guidelines for Diet Plans and Recipes
4. Tea (Hot or Cold)
Green tea is especially good for you because it contains antioxidants that may help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
4. Coffee (Black, With Skim Milk)
Coffee has health benefits such as protecting against type 2 diabetes.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits such as improving digestion, boosting immunity & reducing inflammation in our body. You can add a few drops of it in water or juice before drinking it!
6. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk if you're concerned about lactose intolerance or allergies to cow's milk products. Almonds are high in protein (about 7 grams per cup) and contain several essential vitamins and minerals including calcium and magnesium. Almond milk is also naturally low in sodium, making it perfect for people who have hypertension or heart diseases.
7. Milk and Dairy Products
Choose low- or no-fat milk (1% or skim), yogurt and cheese. Milk contains calcium, protein and other nutrients that may help keep bones strong. Yogurt is another good choice because it's rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics that may improve digestion and immune function.
8. Coconut Water
Coconut water has long been used as a sports drink because it contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium that help maintain fluid balance. It's also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps protect against free radicals that cause cell damage. Coconut water has fewer calories than most other fruit juices (about 45 calories per cup) and it doesn't contain any added sweeteners or artificial flavours.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, you're the only person who can make this decision that's right for you. The bottom line is that soda is a very poor choice of drink. If you can go a day or two every week without it and have no desire to have it, then more power to you. Likewise, there are many ways to wean yourself off of sweetened carbonated and noncarbonated drinks, such as naturally sweetened bottled teas. Just remember to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids throughout the day for healthy hydration, and always try one change at a time—at least until your tastes adjust. We hope these healthy alternatives to soda and sugary drinks provided in this article will help you with the needed adjustment.
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