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Healthy Drinks
As important as eating the right food is to staying healthy, so is drinking the right things. Our body needs fluids to function properly and even stay alive. We can live without food for up to a month but, without fluids, survival is drastically reduced to just a few days.
However, the kind of drinks are equally important. Water obviously is the healthiest way to re-hydrate but there are other healthy options that may appeal more to people’s palates.
Water
Flat, fizzy, flavoured or plain, which ever you choose, water is the perfect beverage. It helps to fill you up and is important for many bodily functions. It can be a bit boring though, so here are some ideas for making water more appealing:
- Have plenty of flavoured waters available as an alternative to plain water.
- Use fresh lemon, lime, or other citrus fruit slices in your water. Or try cucumber slices for a refreshing taste.
- Always keep water bottles in the car or in your bag/backpack to encourage water consumption.
- For more information, see our article on Christchurch’s water supply.
Milk
Next to water, low-fat or fat-free milk and soy milk are the best beverage options. Milk contains calcium, of which we often don’t get enough, as well as protein. Soy milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk, especially if you are lactose intolerant, have problems with chronic sinus or ear infections, have asthma, or just want to include more soy in your diet. Chocolate milk is okay for an occasional treat; just try to control the amount of chocolate added to keep the sugar under control.
Juice
100% fruit juice has the added benefit of being full of the vitamins that are naturally found in fruit, such as vitamin C and folate. However, fruit juices can be high in sugar so it might be an idea to dilute the juice with water. Start with 25 percent water and 75 percent juice, then slowly increase the percentage of water to 50 percent. Or try mixing juice with seltzer water for a fizzy treat.
Vegetable juice a great low-calorie choice that offers antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C. it also contains other nutrients such as lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Tea
Real teas green, black, or oolong (red) are associated with a growing list of health benefits. Tea combats heart disease, lowers cholesterol and reduces the risks of several types of cancer while protecting skin and strengthening bones and teeth. With practically no calories, no fat and no salt, it is a healthy alternative to water. You can drink it warm or as iced tea. Many herbal teas taste sweet enough on their own, so you don't need to add any extra sugar or honey. If they are not sweet enough, try adding a small amount of 100% fruit juice for a delicious blend.
Red Wine
Research has indicated that moderate red wine consumption may help protect against certain cancers and heart disease, and can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Red wine contains antioxidants several of which are beneficial to good health.
While some drinks may appear to be healthy, it is important you keep an eye on the amount of sugar and calories the drink contains. There can be hidden calories, as shown by www.healthcastle.com.
